Do you want to become a Care Worker? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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Care workers give support with everyday tasks to people who may be elderly, ill, have physical or learning disabilities or emotional or social problems.
The work is tailored to the needs of each person, but involves offering practical and emotional support to individuals. This may include helping people with personal care like dressing, washing, using the toilet and feeding themselves, doing laundry, housework, shopping and preparing meals. Some care workers take people on outings or to appointments. Helping people to feel less isolated, and advising and supporting their families is another important part of the job. Care workers also keep records of the support they give and any issues that are raised. They may work with a number of different people or give support to one individual.
Care workers usually work around 37 hours a week, which may involve early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. They may work shifts, have overnight stays or live in. Many care workers work part time. The work may involve bending, carrying and lifting. They may wear protective clothing. Care workers may support people in their own homes, residential homes, drop-in centres, day centres and youth clubs.
Salaries usually range from £9,000 to £20,000.
A care worker should:
Care workers are employed by local authority social service departments in England and Wales and by local authority social work departments in Scotland, as well as health services, voluntary organisations and private enterprise. There are over 1,000,000 care workers in the UK and demand is growing.
There are no formal entry requirements to become a care worker. Employers may prefer candidates who have experience of working with people in a care setting. Many people enter this career through Apprenticeships. Others study for relevant qualifications including City & Guilds Preparing for Work in the Care Sector, BTEC First Diploma in Care and BTEC National Diploma and National Certificate in Care. There is no upper age limit for starting this career, since maturity and life skills are important.
Many employers expect care workers to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Health and Social Care at Levels 2, 3 and 4.
Experienced care workers can move into senior or supervisory positions. Workers with NVQ/SVQ Level 4 (or equivalent qualification) may be able to apply for a degree in social work or become the ‘registered person' in charge of a care service.
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