Start your new career
A strong bond with residents, a creative team and a great work-life balance are just some of the perks of a job in adult social care, as Felicia has discovered WITH A JOB IN ADULT SOCIAL CARE YOU CAN CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES AND END EACH DAY FEELING FULFILLE
Iwhere‘You need passion, not qualifications’
f you’re looking for a flexible job no two days are the same and you can make a real difference to people’s lives, adult social care could be for you.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or are thinking of changing careers, there are lots of opportunities out there. You might be offering day-today support to someone in a care home, or enabling a young person with a disability to live life to the full.
And if you think you don’t have any relevant qualifications or experience in the field, that’s not a barrier because you can learn on the job with training. Think about the talents and skills you can offer – with a wide variety of jobs available right now, you might have just the qualities your new employer needs.
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Felicia was a nurse in Brazil, but after moving to Warrington, Cheshire, the 36-year-old mum of one decided she wanted a career change and work caring for older adults.
Three years ago she got a job at a women’s residential home, and her career has flourished. And working 25 hours a week means she can fit her job round family life too.
“We do crafts, quizzes and daily exercise – and everyone is invited to take part, even if they don’t have full mobility,” says Felicia. “Last month I organised a movie afternoon. We decorated the room and I made bags of sweets and popcorn. It’s good to bring a taste of outside life into the home. I try to be creative and encourage my colleagues to do the same to make the residents’ days brighter.”
There’s a lot more to the job though – Felicia also administers medication and reviews care plans with her manager. And every day is different.
“If you’re the kind of person who just wants to come to work and do the same thing day after day, being a care worker is not for you,” she says. “Of course we have a routine, but you have to be prepared for the unexpected.”
Since she started at the home, Felicia has been promoted to senior carer and is studying for a leadership qualification.
“Care is not for everyone,” she says. “You have to have a passion and want to do your best every day. But it’s so rewarding. When you achieve small goals and support someone in becoming more independent or happier, you feel so valuable to them.”
One resident who has really benefited from Felicia’s work is 91-year-old Cora, who moved into the home six months ago.
“Felicia is very helpful in every way,” says Cora. “I can’t see very well and she takes time to read and explain things to me – we’ve even been able to sew together, thanks to her patience. We love a chat and a laugh too – we share the same sense of humour. She even took me to church on her day off and it was a wonderful experience. It was quite a while since I’d been out and I felt worried about going somewhere strange, but Felicia made sure it was fine.”