Adult social care offers a range of diverse roles that suit different skills, interests, and personalities. Whether you want to work in residential, community, or home-based settings, there is a role for you. You can also progress and develop your career by taking on more responsibilities, gaining qualifications, or specialising in a certain area of care.
Carer (all service types)
Carers, also called support workers, provide direct care and support to people, assisting with activities of daily living and promoting their independence.
Responsibilities include personal care, medication administration, meal assistance, social engagement, and emotional support.
Senior Carer (all service types)
Senior Carers are experienced care workers who provide a leading role in care, potentially leading a team of carers. They ensure that high standards of care are maintained and that the needs and preferences of clients are met. Within some settings they will be responsible for more specialised tasks such as medication administration.
Personal Assistant (typically directly employed)
A personal assistant is employed to provide personal and domestic everyday support needed to help people to lead an independent personal and social life at home.
Responsibilities include helping with personal care, washing and bathing. cooking and preparing food, supporting with leisure activities and shopping.
Personal assistants are usually directly employed by the individual needing support or their family.
Care Coordinator (typically home care)
Care Coordinators are responsible for overseeing the delivery of care services to clients in their homes. They manage the scheduling, training, and supervision of care workers and liaise with clients, families, and other health professionals.
Responsibilities include conducting assessments, managing staff workloads, monitoring client progress and resolving issues.
Housekeeping (typically care homes)
Housekeeping Staff maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the care home, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for residents.
Responsibilities include cleaning resident rooms and common areas, laundering linens, managing waste disposal, and maintaining infection control measures.
Maintenance (care homes, supported living)
Maintenance staff perform repairs and maintenance tasks to ensure the upkeep and safety of the physical environment.
Responsibilities include fixing equipment, addressing facility issues, conducting safety inspections, and coordinating with external contractors when necessary.
Administrator (all service types)
The Administrator or Office Manager handles administrative tasks, records management, billing, and communication with families and external agencies.
Responsibilities include maintaining resident records, managing finances, coordinating appointments, and providing administrative support to staff and residents.
Activities Coordinator (typically care homes)
The Activities Coordinator plans and organizes recreational and therapeutic activities for people, promoting socialization, engagement, and mental stimulation.
Responsibilities include developing activity programs, arranging outings, coordinating entertainment, and adapting activities to meet peoples interests and abilities.
Chef (typically care homes)
The chef prepares nutritious and appetizing meals for residents, taking into account peoples dietary preferences, restrictions, and nutritional needs.
Responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, kitchen management, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
PBS Practitioner (Positive Behavioural Support)
The positive behavioural support practitioner will help care staff work with individuals who display behaviours that may challenge.
They will complete assessments for the individuals, and use these assessments to create personalised care-plans to help care staff support individuals.
Nurse (typically care homes but sometimes home care)
Registered Nurses provide skilled nursing care to people with complex medical needs, overseeing their health and well-being.
Responsibilities include medication management, wound care, monitoring vital signs, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and providing clinical assessments.
Care Home Assistant Nurse Practitioner (typically nursing care homes but sometimes home care)
A Care Home Assistant Nurse Practitioner provides the role of clinical support, assisting with clinical tasks and supporting Nurses.
Deputy Manager or Equivalent (all service types)
The Deputy Manager assists the Manager with the overall operation of the care service, standing in for the Manager when they are no present.
Smaller care services don’t always have a Deputy Manager.
Manager (all service types)
The Registered Manager oversees the overall operation of the service, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards and provides high-quality care.
Responsibilities include managing staff, developing policies and procedures, liaising with external agencies, and overseeing the care planning process.