Social care

• Jobs range from care at home for older people or those with disabilities, care assistant in residentialk or day care situations to working with groups such as children and families or people with learning difficulties.
• Candidates can be any age from 18 upwards. Candidates interested in the social care apprenticeship scheme can apply from age 16 years. Experience of caring or voluntary work is an advantage, particularly with new starters, but people skills are important too.
• NVQ 2 or 3 qualifications can be earned in the workplace. Appropriate training will be given.
• For suitable candidates, these and similar posts offer the possibility of gaining higher social care and social work qualifications.

Social work (fieldwork)

The term ‘social worker’ describes someone who is professionally qualified (social work degree or predecessor qualifications) and registered with the General Social Care Council. Qualified social workers support adults or children.

Each service area hosts a variety of teams offering specialised services.

We are committed to continuing professional development and offer the Post Qualifying (PQ) Specialist Award Adults and Children and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) as well as good promotion opportunities to our social work staff.

Supporting these social work positions are posts that do not require formal social care or social work qualifications. Examples include:

• family support worker (children and families)
• community support worker (mental health)
• supported living worker (Community Team for Learning Disabilities).

These can be entry level posts and offer the chance for candidates to gain valuable training, skills and experience for furthering their careers.

Top tips

Tips on pursuing career in social care in Oxfordshire.

Watch the local press and our website around Easter each year for any dedicated trainee schemes that we may advertise. Apprenticeships schemes.

Gain experience. Get into the social care workforce in whatever capacity you can. Take advantage of work-based study opportunities while making a worthwhile contribution and getting paid if possible. If not, start with voluntary work. Oxfordshire has about 40 staff studying for professional social work qualifications at any one time, so opportunities are real.

If you are not certain of your academic ability, consider the possibility of doing the Open University K100 – (Understanding Health and Social Care). NVQ 2 and 3 are also valid, and of particular relevance if you are offered them in a work context, since they embody national standards.

You may find it possible to study full-time and work. It is hard but possible, particularly if you are working in social care. 

Keep up to date with social and political issues. You can find more information at:

• Skills Funding Agency
• Department of Health

The new degree requires GCSE grade C or equivalent in both English and maths, or you will be given college tests.