Top 3 Careers You Can Pursue With A Health And Social Care Qualification

These days, a degree or qualification in Health and Social Care is a valuable commodity and can open a number of exciting doors for those looking for a career in this sector. So much more than just nursing or counselling, there are now a great many professions within this industry that allow you make a real difference in your community while also gaining a lifelong rewarding and sometimes lucrative career.



The great news is that you can get on board with this at any age by researching the health and social care courses that are available to you both in your local area and online. The qualifications that you’ll need to have under your belt will depend on the position that you’re going for, so, in this article, we’re looking at three of the most popular roles within the sector and what you need to qualify for them.

Social Worker

Across the world, thousands of people choose to become social workers every year and this important role plays an integral part in every community. A social worker’s job is to offer support to members of society who are struggling with day-to -day life and this can include:

• Those with disabilities
• People with mental health issues
• Families undergoing a crisis
• Families where a child may be at risk

Not for the faint-hearted, this role can, at times, be incredibly stressful and will sometimes involve unsociable hours but it can also be incredibly rewarding as you help to turn lives around.

What you’ll need

To start a new career as a social worker, you will need to have gained an approved social work degree. Alternatively, signing up to a Level 6 work-based Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship can offer the opportunity to train while earning. Whichever route you take, it’s essential that, upon qualification, you register with your local social work authority in order to practice social work legally. In addition to qualifications, you’ll normally also need to hold a clean driving license as the job does involve travelling from area to area with sensitive documentation..

What you’ll earn

This does tend to vary from region to region as well as being dependent on experience but, a qualified and experienced social worker can often take home between $65,000 and £75,000 per year.

Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

Healthcare Assistants are, quite literally, the lifeblood of a community, providing vital support to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. A healthcare assistant will usually move between hospitals, care homes and patient’s residences in order to provide ongoing care. On any given day, the HCA might be monitoring vital signs in a hospital, administering injections to a patient in his or her home or providing end-of-life care in a hospice. As with social worker positions, this role will normally require you to hold a valid driving license as you'll be moving between venues on an almost daily basis.

What you’ll need

First and foremost, you’ll need to be a caring and compassionate person with endless reserves of patience. Next, you’ll need to arm yourself with a Care Certificate. There may not be a standard qualification for a healthcare assistant, but however many employers will expect you to be educated to high school standard and some may demand an additional qualification such as a BTEC or NVQ.

What you’ll earn

Well, if you’re looking for a big bucks career, healthcare assistant may not be for you. On average you can expect to earn around $17.50 an hour (approximately $30,000 per year) however this may be lower in some parts of the country. What you’ll miss out on with salary you’ll gain in becoming a valued member of the healthcare system - and of your community.

Youth Worker

Today, young people face more challenges than ever before - and it's the job of the youth worker to help get them back on track. From teens dealing with a crisis to troubled youngsters who are in and out of the criminal justice system, the youth worker assists with personal, social and educational challenges in schools, homes, community centres and youth organisations. This role isn’t always child’s play as you’re dealing with some serious issues as with our other professions, it brings its own, highly satisfying rewards.

What you’ll need

While many employers are looking for a health and social care degree or a Certificate in Youth Work Practice, the good news is that this isn’t always the case. Many employers place more value on experience and training so it’s a good idea to start by trying to find a voluntary position with a mentor as this is a good way to get your foot in the door.

What you’ll earn

As with the role of healthcare assistant, you’re unlikely to be shopping for sports cars if you become a youth worker as salaries tend to range between $32,000 and up to around maybe $40,000 per year. If, however, your idea of wealth is helping to guide young people then this one's for you.

Care To Get Started?

It’s important to understand from the get-go that a career in healthcare and social work is not just a job - it’s a vocation. You can expect long hours, many frustrations and a degree of stress.



But having said that, it’s impossible to overlook the rewarding nature of working in this industry. Additionally, demand means that whichever role you choose - and whatever rung of the ladder you start on - there will always be some great opportunities for progression.

If none of the positions in this article float your boat, don’t worry - there are lots more to choose from in this broad and dynamic sector including office-based roles and those supporting others in schools and other venues outside of hospitals and care homes.

Conclusion

If you’ve decided that a caregiving life is right for you, your first port of call is to do your research to figure out which role or department has your name all over it. Once you have your shortlist, it’s time to start making enquiries as to what’s available in your area - if you live in a big city you’re likely to be spoilt for choice, but in more rural areas, open positions can be thin on the ground. Finally, it’s time to sign up for the course or qualification that will help you to achieve your goal.