Are you interested in working in Health and Social Care?

Health and Social Care covers a huge range of roles and careers that you might never have thought of.  

Step 1: Is Health and Social Care right for you?

Communication Skills Organisational Skills An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion
Problem Solving Skills Adaptability Reliability
Teamwork Skills Attention to Detail Integrity
Respectfulness Record Keeping & IT Skills Positive Attitude
Self-Awareness Commitment to learning Sensitivity, empathy and compassion
Resilience

Job Stability: The healthcare sector in the UK, especially under the NHS, offers high job security due to consistent demand for healthcare services.

Personal Fulfilment: Working in health and social care allows individuals to make a real difference in people’s lives, offering a high sense of purpose and personal satisfaction.

Career Progression Opportunities: The sector has clear pathways for progression, with opportunities to specialise or advance into leadership roles through training and qualifications.

Diverse Work Environment: Health and social care environments are diverse, allowing employees to interact with people from various backgrounds and build cultural awareness.

Training and professional development are prioritised, with numerous courses and certifications available to develop new skills.

Flexible Working Arrangements: Many roles in health and social care offer flexible hours, allowing workers to achieve a healthy work-life balance, especially with shift-based work.

Excellent Benefits and Pension Schemes: The NHS and many other healthcare organisations offer robust pension plans, paid leave, and other benefits that support long-term financial well-being.

Wide Range of Roles: From nursing and therapy to administrative and managerial roles, there is a variety of career options to suit different skills and interests.

Wide Range of Roles: From nursing and therapy to administrative and managerial roles, there is a variety of career options to suit different skills and interests.

Opportunities for Specialisation: The field has numerous specialisations, such as mental health, paediatrics, geriatrics, and occupational therapy, allowing professionals to work in areas they are passionate about.

SkillsFor example,
Communication SkillsExplaining complex medical information to patients or their families in clear, understandable language, fostering trust and understanding.
Empathy and CompassionSupporting a distressed patient or family member during difficult situations, such as discussing to provide emotional comfort.
Problem-SolvingQuickly identifying and addressing a patient’s needs during an emergency situation, using creative solutions to adapt to resource limitations.
Time ManagementManaging a busy workload in a care home, where each patient requires individual attention, and prioritising tasks based on urgency and need.
Teamwork and CollaborationWorking alongside doctors, nurses, and social workers to create a care plan for a patient, ensuring all team members contribute their expertise.
Attention to DetailAccurately recording patient information in a healthcare database to ensure all records are precise and up-to-date for future reference.
Resilience and Stress ManagementRemaining calm and focused while working long shifts in a hospital emergency room, managing stress to maintain a high quality of care.
Adaptability and FlexibilityAdapting quickly to new procedures or safety protocols in response to unexpected health crises, such as a pandemic.
Decision-MakingMaking informed decisions about patient care, such as adjusting treatment plans based on a patient’s changing condition or response to treatment.
Leadership and DelegationLeading a team of junior healthcare assistants on a ward, assigning tasks based on each team member’s needs are met.

Care Worker

£19,000 - £25,000
Care workers support vulnerable people with their daily activities and help them to live as independently as possible.
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Palliative care assistant

£23,000 to £27,000
Palliative care assistants provide specialist care and support to people living with serious illness and those reaching the end of their life.
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Health Records Clerk

£18,000 - £24,000
Health records clerks keep medical records up to date.
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Residential support worker

£19,000 to £30,000
Residential support workers look after the physical and mental wellbeing of children or vulnerable adults in care.
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Youth worker

£22,000 to £35,000
Youth workers support young people aged 11 to 25 to help them with their personal, social and educational development.
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Occupational therapy support worker

£24,000 to £30,000
Occupational therapy support workers work with occupational therapists to help sick, injured or old people to be as independent as possible.
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Step 2: Do you have Maths and English GCSEs at C/4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2?

Yes

You can study health and social care qualifications in a range of ways. 

At York Learning, you can study for a work based or apprenticeship qualification in Adult Care or End of Life Care.

Find out more about York Learning's Health and Social Care courses

At York College, you can study vocational and T-Level courses in Health and Social Care. 

Find out more about York College's Health and Social Care courses

You can also book an appointment with a careers advisor for more advice and guidance.

Book a 1:1 Career and Learning Advice Session

Not yet

That’s no problem; we are here to help. Apply online for an initial assessment and take your first step towards a career in health and social care.

Apply online for GCSE English or maths

You can also boost your skills and knowledge and improve your career opportunities with qualifications which are valued in the health and social care industry. You may be eligible for funding on some courses.