A world functioning in the absence of health and social care is impossible to imagine because the nurturing provided by this system has helped in bringing smiles to many individuals and families. The services include both private and public sectors and are considered to be one of the most rewarding educational experiences. However, the job – roles & responsibilities – may vary from treating illness to looking after others or providing clinical and non-clinical support.
Health care refers to providing medical care including diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental disabilities to communities and individuals. The entire healthcare system can be categorised into the following three sectors:
1.Social work
Social workers aim to bring change by solving personal and social problems of individuals or small groups. Their practice also consists of micro-work which involves working with several communities.
2.Personal Care
Personal care involves the distribution of beauty and hygiene products among the less privileged. The products may include razors, tissues, cotton pads etc.
3.Protection
This category aims to reduce concerns that degrade people’s well-being such as employment or poverty.
4.Social Support
Social support involves giving personal advice, providing financial assistance or a sense of belonging to others.
Though both health and social care make society a better place, social care is becoming increasingly popular. If you are considering a career in health or social care for making an impact on society, then you are the right fit to become a health or social care worker.
Regardless of the industry, there are many reasons to pursue a career in Health and Social Care.
Why Pursue a Career in Health and Social Care?
One of the rewarding benefits of choosing a career in health and social care is job satisfaction by helping, aiding and improving someone’s life specifically vulnerable people in society.
Here is how pursuing a career in the social and healthcare sector can be beneficial for you:
- You can find employment in numerous areas.
- You can choose a specific area for specialisation that best matches your needs and preferences; the specialities may include youth worker, adult nurse or counsellor.
- Regardless of the person or situation, you can help people with a physical or learning disability, effectively recovering them from an injury or accident.
- Though many job opportunities are available at NHS in the UK, you can pursue a career globally too; by working overseas, you can grow and expand your knowledge by helping and treating people from around the world.
Most Promising Careers in Health and Social Care include:
- Occupational Therapist
- Care worker
- Rehab Worker
- Counsellor
- Social Worker
- Health Psychologist
On another note, if you are not interested in applying for a four-year health and social care degree or a programme, you can always opt for health and social care courses. This will help you kick-start your career and provide you with essential skills and information regarding health and social care. Instead of completing a 3 or year degree, a course is ideal for grasping the basic idea which will also help you prepare for a variety of jobs in the sector.
Here are some of the most noteworthy benefits of choosing a health and social care courses or qualifications:
- Whether you want to upgrade yourself from an entry-level position or transition into health and social care, a health and social care course can effectively identify gaps in your knowledge.
- The course will help you understand various social work provisions for adults and children.
- Moreover, enrolling in a diploma will help you gain industry-specific knowledge which will ultimately allow you to study related degrees without A levels.
- In the L3 health and social care course, you will discover the needs of people with mental health issues, dementia and other diseases, enabling you to discover several areas of professional interests.
You can choose from several certificates and diplomas; some of the most popular ones include the following:
- Certificate in Health and Social Care
- Certificate in Social Work Practice
- Certificate in Mental Health Studies
- Certificate in Public Health Management
- Certificate in Nursing Assistant
- Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
- Diploma in Social Work
- Diploma in Community Health and Development
- Diploma in Health Psychology
- Diploma in Nursing (Adult/Mental Health/Child)
- Level 2 Award in Health Safety in the Workplace
However, choosing the right course that best matches your goals and preferences is crucial, there are several factors to consider before you make a final decision; you must keep in mind:
- Your interests and goals
- What courses are available
- Accreditation and credibility
- What are the essential requirements to enrol in the course?
- The entire course duration and flexibility
- The course and curriculum module and associated job prospects
What Skills Are Required for a Career in Health and Social Care?
Besides clinical abilities, soft or personality skills are important for a successful career in social and health care. Soft skills can greatly impact your job performance and career prospects. No matter the industry, we have mentioned a set of soft skills essential across every job associated with the health and social care sector.
- Empathy
- Effective Communication Skills
- Emotional Resilience
- Care and Compassion
- Teamwork
- Time and Stress Management
- Positive and Receptive Attitude
To sum up, Health and Social Care courses are highly beneficial for those individuals who want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. By pursuing such courses, you can gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of communication skills, practices and ethics of specialised areas in the field.
On top of that, these courses open doors for individuals to pursue a fulfilling career in several sectors including hospitals, social service agencies, mental health facilities and community organisations, making a difference in other’s lives.
