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What job roles can I do in adult social care?

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What job roles can I do in adult social care?

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Explore the diverse job roles in adult social care. As you progress through qualifications, you can take on diverse responsibilities and opportunities available across various levels within this field.

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Social Care Wales work with people who use care and support services and organisations to lead improvement in social care in Wales

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This resource has been created to support anyone interested in finding out more about a career in adult social care. It can be used by students, job seekers, people considering a change of career or anyone wanting to progress in their career.

It highlights the range of job opportunities within adult social care and explains how you can get into and progress a career in care.

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Your background doesn't matter; if you have the desire to help people and are aged 16+, there's a place in social care for you.

Qualifications or prior work experience may not always be necessary, depending on the role. What truly matters is possessing the right values, behaviours, and attitudes to effectively work with those in need of care and support.

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Understanding & kindness

Empathy & respect

Active listening

Cultural sensitivity

Commitment to quality care

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You’re warm, kind and compassionate in your actions

You’re reliable, trustworthy and committed to delivering good care

You spend time listening to people to get to know them

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The Code of Professional Practice outlines the standards care workers in Wales must follow. Its purpose is to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals receiving care and support.

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Employers seek various skills, and while specific roles may require particular ones, there are essential skills all social care workers should have; these are called core skills. These skills are outlined in the All Wales Induction Framework (AWIF) which serves as a guideline for the skills and knowledge expected in the sector. If individuals lack certain skills, employers can provide support for them to acquire these skills while in their roles.

English skills

Number skills

Digital skills

Employability skills

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Pathways to start your care career:

Educational courses

Enrol in courses at school, college, or a training institution to deepen your understanding of social care and acquire relevant knowledge and skills. Some courses may include work experience, providing a pathway to a role in the sector. Some care providers also offer pre-employment training.

Apprenticeship

Apply for a social care apprenticeship to gain practical experience, achieve a qualification, and earn a wage. Apprenticeships typically last between 12 months and two years and include a combination of on-the-job learning, where you work directly with clients and colleagues, and off-the-job learning, which may involve classroom training or workshops. This comprehensive approach helps you develop your skills and knowledge effectively.

Apply for advertised vacancies

Explore different roles in social care. Before applying, consider the roles you are interested in. Keep an eye on local authority websites, private sector websites or national recruitment platforms such as the 'WeCare Wales' jobs portal for advertised vacancies.

Volunteering or work experience

If you're new to adult social care and want to explore the field, consider volunteering or gaining work experience. Your school, college, or job centre may assist you, or you can contact organisations directly.

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How can I progress in my social care career?

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How can I progress in my social care career?

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In adult social care, your career journey is filled with possibilities for growth and advancement. Regardless of your starting point, there are numerous avenues for progression, ensuring that your skills and passion can lead to new opportunities.

Do qualifications relevant to your role

There are a variety of qualifications at different levels in social care.

You could access Welsh government-funded apprenticeship qualifications through a learning provider or college. Your employer might also cover the costs of these qualifications, making them more accessible and affordable for you.

Types of progression

Sideway moves: Explore diverse job roles, which may involve working in different settings or with varied groups of people.

Upward Shifts: Move into positions with greater responsibilities, requiring further skills, knowledge and qualifications.

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Invest in your knowledge & skills

Your journey in adult social care is not just a job; it’s a continuous exploration of possibilities. By investing in your skills and embracing new challenges, you can shape a fulfilling and impactful career in the vibrant adult social care sector.

Adapting to change

Social care is ever-evolving, adapting to the needs of an aging population and those living with multiple conditions. The goal is to help them live on their own at home, reducing the need for hospitals. This change has created new jobs combining social care and health knowledge. Roles like dementia, end-of-life care and learning disabilities offer unique career paths.

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What social care qualifications can I do?

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What social care qualifications can I do?

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Understanding the Health and Social Care Qualification Framework is key to advancing your career. The framework categorises qualifications into levels, indicating their complexity and relevance to specific roles.

Adult social care qualifications are vocational qualifications. This means they enable the learner to gain the knowledge and skills they need for their role. The level description is about the job role requirements not academic ability.

Steps to Qualifications

Choose Your Path: Explore the framework to find qualifications that align with your desired role.

Funding Options: Your employer is committed to sponsoring and funding your entry-level qualifications, ensuring that you have the support to pursue and attain your qualification.

Find a Learning Provider:

Explore various options such as in-house training, local colleges, or online platforms like the Open University. Local colleges provide a diverse range of social care qualifications, or you can pursue them while working in the sector.

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Jump to content

Information and guidance on finding a qualification

Information and guidance on finding a qualification for different job roles within social care and regulated childcare in Wales, what the criteria for including qualifications are and how it can support professional development.

How to use the qualification finder

The qualification finder can be used to find:

the required or recommended qualifications in a service area

the required or recommended qualifications for a job role

what induction is required

what will be useful or required for updating, maintaining and progressing skills and knowledge.

The qualification finder can also help:

raise staff knowledge, competence and confidence

make sure people hold appropriate qualifications during recruitment

set service standards during commissioning

standardise training and assessments that are being commissioned and provided

the development and agreement of an organisation's policies

succession planning for crucial people in services

personal development and progression planning for staff

workforce planning and career advice

the checking of older qualifications and those from other UK nations

inspection and regulation of services by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

quality assuring and monitoring by commissioners or responsible individuals.

For some job roles and service areas there are specific requirements for practice:

the qualifications required by regulations, legislation and national minimum standards (NMS) in social care or early years childcare

the qualifications workers and managers are required to have to register with us.

Other services and roles where these requirements do not apply (non-regulated roles) have recommended qualifications. These will ensure people have appropriate and transferable qualifications, knowledge and skills.

What criteria is used for including qualifications

The required qualifications, which should all be available bilingually, have been agreed with a range of partners to reflect the needs and principles below. These are known as "design principles":

based on the National Occupational Standards that are appropriate to the needs of the sector

competence is assessed in the workplace

subject to external verification

based on reliable and robust demonstration of employer and service needs

can be aligned to qualifications frameworks across the UK

have a structure that allows progression routes, as well as opportunities to study breadth and/or depth of knowledge and skill

can respond flexibly to the needs of the sector and its learners, including delivery models, language and accessibility

recognise different types of learning, knowledge, skills and competence.

How do the induction frameworks fit in?

There are two main induction frameworks for the workforce, the All Wales induction framework for early years and childcare and the All Wales induction framework for health and social care (AWIF).

All Wales induction framework for early years and childcare

The framework provides a structure for a common understanding to induction and outlines the knowledge and skills new workers should meet in their first six months of employment. There is a requirement within current regulations and National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years that all practitioners should receive induction training, which includes health and safety, and child protection policies and procedures, during their first week of employment.

Who should complete this induction framework?

Regardless of whether they are employed full time, part time, sessional or as a volunteer, the induction framework should be completed by workers who:

are new to the early years childcare sector

are new to an organisation or setting

are undertaking a new role

have previous experience in a different sector

are returning after a career break, or

are a current member of staff as a tool to support continuing professional development.

If the worker has been employed previously, they do not need to complete the full induction framework, but they may be required to complete some parts of it.

Find more information about the induction framework for early years and childcare.

All Wales induction framework for health and social care (AWIF)

The framework creates a firm basis for new workers to help them develop their practice and future careers, in and across the health and social care sectors. It also provides a clear understanding of the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to make sure new workers are safe and competent to practice at this stage of their development. The induction framework is designed for social care workers and healthcare support workers. It covers care and support for adults, and children and young people. The induction framework has the same learning outcomes as those included in the health and social care 'core' qualification.

Who should complete this induction framework?

Regardless of whether they are employed full time, part time, sessional or as a volunteer, the induction framework should be completed by workers who:

are new to the sector

are new to an organisation or setting

are undertaking a new role

have previous experience in a different sector

are returning after a career break, or

are a current member of staff as a tool to support continuing professional development.

If the worker has been employed previously, they do not need to complete the full induction framework again, but they may be required to complete some parts of it to show their competence in their new work setting.

The induction framework has been designed and developed so it can be used by all care and support workers.

Find out more information about the induction framework for health and social care.

Continuing professional development CPD (previously known as PRTL)

Continued personal and professional learning and development (CPD) is the ongoing maintenance and growth of knowledge and skills throughout life. This keeps people motivated, develops specialist skills and underpins high quality care and support services. People may learn new things and how to support more complex ways of working and situations. It can help the achievement of career goals and build confidence and commitment.

CPD can take many forms, including informal methods such as:

a reflection on your own work and what could be done differently

watching a demonstration

'buddying' or shadowing a more experienced or specialist person (including a carer or individual using the service)

research and reading.

More formal methods might be:

attending a course or conference

completing a qualification

completing a specialist unit or pathway from the qualifications

e-learning and webinars

coaching or mentoring

taking part in action learning sets.

CPD is a requirement of a person's registration with us and is expected by service regulations. There may be a minimum amount of updating and development that must be shown.

Find out more information about CPD.

Resources for further guidance and support include:

Qualifications that are not included

Playwork

Those working in regulated childcare settings with children between the ages of five to 12 years old may need to complete a playwork qualification to meet NMS and regulatory requirements.

You can find more information at:

There are specific requirements for managers from September 2021. Where a childcare setting provides for children between the ages of 0 to 12 years, the person in charge should hold both:

a level 3 childcare qualification recognised on the qualification framework, and

a level 3 playwork qualification or a smaller award.

The person in charge of a registered play setting for children up to the age of 12 years should hold:

a level 3 playwork qualification.

The person in charge of a holiday play scheme should hold:

a level 3 playwork qualification.

Non-supervisory staff who are included in the ratios of qualified staff will also need to undertake a Level 2 playwork qualification.

In respect of childminders, there are no changes to the requirement to complete an appropriate pre-registration course as this already takes account of the needs of older children.

Equivalence and prior learning

A qualification already held by a worker may seem the same or similar to one listed in this framework. We will not be able to check this for each person, only those who are required to register. Only the qualifications in this framework are accepted in Wales as required or recommended, but alternative qualifications or previous learning you have could go a long way towards meeting the requirements.

Awarding Bodies may be able to help you match evidence of learning against what is required by the qualifications in this framework. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Where a worker wants to gain employment in Wales and there is a required qualification for registration, but their qualification is not listed in this framework they can apply to us for an assessment of equivalence if they meet the following criteria:

the qualification is based on competence, such as the National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant to the role

the person has been assessed in the workplace

the person must have been in a relevant role while the qualification was undertaken

the person must have been in a relevant setting while the qualification was undertaken.

Qualifications gained outside Wales

There are differences between the qualifications on offer across the UK nations. We work with UK partners to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the portability of qualifications and workers across UK borders.

Workers who have gained their qualification in Wales but wish to work in another UK country will need to contact the relevant Sector Skills Council for advice. They are:

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Contact us

If you have a question or if you can't find what you are looking for get in touch with us.

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Information and guidance on finding a qualification

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Information and guidance on finding a qualification for different job roles within social care and regulated childcare in Wales, what the criteria for including qualifications are and how it can support professional development.

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Level 2: Adult Health and Social Care Qualification introduces foundational knowledge and skills for working in the adult care sector, covering basic principles and practices.

Level 3: Builds on this foundation, delving deeper into the complexities of care provision, including more advanced skills in assessment, planning, and supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Level 4: Focuses on leadership and management within adult health and social care, exploring strategic planning, policy implementation, and the development of effective care delivery systems.

Level 5: Advances further into management and leadership, emphasising critical analysis, decision-making, and strategic planning in complex health and social care settings, preparing individuals for senior managerial roles.

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Why choose a career in adult social care?

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Why choose a career in adult social care?

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Dive into the realm of adult social care, a flourishing sector that opens doors to fulfilling careers and diverse job roles. Understand the essence of adult social care, where personal and practical support is the foundation for enabling individuals to live independently.

Why?

The aim of social care is to support people to have the best quality of life they can and help them to maintain their independence, dignity and overall well-being.

Who?

You'll support a diverse range of individuals, from adults with disabilities to those dealing with mental or physical health conditions and older people.

Where?

People can receive social care in their own homes, residential care homes, community settings like day centres, or supported living accommodation.

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Registration primarily safeguards the public by guaranteeing that only skilled and qualified individuals can offer care and support in necessary roles. Being registered with Social Care Wales indicates you're part of a professional group, demonstrating essential skills and knowledge for providing quality care and support to the people in Wales.

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Learn more about registration, including application details, eligibility, renewals, fees, guidance videos, and more by accessing the Social Care Wales link above. Your social care employer is committed to supporting you through the registration process.

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If you're applying for the first time you'll need to create a SCWonline account to manage your registration with us.

SCWonline will allow you to:

Information you will need to apply

a personal email address

your national insurance number

employment details (including address, job title and start date or future start date if it's a new job)

your employment history for the past five years

your bank details to setup a Direct Debit to pay your fees

the date of your most recent criminal records (DBS) check

confirmation that you intend to practise in Wales

verified copies of your ID documents, unless you have had DBS check within the last three years or are on the DBS update service (not required for students).

Details of your route to register

You will need:

a qualification certificate (accepted qualifications can be found on our qualification finder)

or if you don't yet have the required qualification, evidence for one of the other ways to register. You can find out about other ways to register on our qualifications page.

Disciplinary record and criminal offences

You must tell us if you:

have a disciplinary record

are currently the subject of an investigation

have a criminal record.

Endorsing your application

Applications to register must be endorsed to confirm your good character and that there aren't any reasons why you shouldn't be on the Register. On your application you will be asked to select a person, from a list of approved people (signatories) for your organisation, to endorse your application.

Your endorser will be able to view all information on your application apart from your health and equality and diversity answers.

Your endorser must be a professional individual who isn't a relative and doesn't have a personal relationship with you.

If you're qualifying in social work in Wales, select a signatory from the degree course provider or current social care employer. If you get employment by the time we receive confirmation of your qualification, we'll contact your new employer. This happens before we complete your registration.

Read our guidance on endorsing an application.

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Support at Home Roles Care Home Roles Social Services Roles Shared Lives Roles Foster Care Roles Residential Children's Home Roles Your career...

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If you’re interested in exploring careers in adult social care further, there are several online courses available. These resources are free of charge, and in most instances, you can download certificates to showcase your completion.

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Social Care Wales work with people who use care and support services and organisations to lead improvement in social care in Wales

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More than 50 employers have signed up to a new scheme to help more people get work in social care.
The scheme, which is run by WeCare Wales, will help anyone who's completed the Introduction to Social Care programme get an interview, making it easier for them to get a job in social care.

The scheme is a partnership with social care employers across Wales and helps both people looking for jobs and employers.

It speeds up the hiring process, so people can get into work more quickly and gives them the advantage over other people applying for the same jobs.

It also helps employers find the right people for the right jobs, and means they can choose people who are really interested in social care work.
How it works
When people complete the Introduction to social care programme, they're paired with a WeCare Wales work coach.

The coach will run regular work ready workshops to help candidates sharpen their CV, application forms and interview skills, so they're ready to take their first steps in a social care career.

Participants can also work with their coach to identify further training, identify suitable roles, or pathways into social care, as well as use the guaranteed interview list to help match employers and participants into suitable interview opportunities in their area.
"An excellent scheme"
The scheme launched in July after a successful pilot with Newport-based Pobl Group, a non-profit housing, care and support provider. Pobl has already placed three people through the guaranteed interview scheme.

Richard Barnes, Head of Talent Attraction at Pobl, said:

"It's an excellent scheme that gives a strong induction to the sector. The people we've hired so far have excellent attitudes, good understanding of their new roles and have bright futures ahead of them."
Get involved Are you struggling to employ new team members? We want to help you create a talent pool of workers. If you're a social care employer who wants to join the scheme or find out more, please email: contact@wecare.wales or sign up to our next webinar: Guaranteed Interview Webinar, 8 September between 10-11am

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Introductory courses in social care and childcare - WeCare

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Are you considering working in social care or childcare? Do you feel you need to gain skills and understanding of the roles available? Find out more about the WeCare Wales training available to you.

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Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Autism Team

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Welcome to our What is Autism? page and Autism Aware Certification Scheme. In this section there is an introduction to what autism is and advice on things you can do to be more autism understanding.

There are two elements to this scheme: firstly, our "What is Autism?" training film; and secondly, the downloadable e-learning resources at the bottom of this page.

Who is the "What is Autism?" training film for?

The film has been designed to raise awareness and understanding of autism.

The National Autism Team have worked to keep their resources and language updated and current to reflect what autistic people would like neurotypical people to understand about autism, and the updating of the scheme is one example of this.

What is this film about?

The film follows three autistic people - Amara Tamblyn, Rhiannon Lloyd-Williams and Osian Harries - as they explore what their autism means to them, including: social communication, patterns and routines, sensory experience, and how to make things better.

It also includes the professional voice of Dr Elin Walker Jones, Consultant Psychologist.

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Autism aware certification - Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Autism Team

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Welcome to our What is Autism? page and Autism Aware Certification Scheme. In this section there is an introduction to what autism is and advice on things you can do to be more autism understanding. There are two elements to this scheme: firstly, our "What is Autism?"

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Become a Dementia Friend. Learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

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Mental Wellbeing Courses | Melo Self-help Resources and Support

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In-depth courses to help you learn skills to manage and improve your mental wellbeing.