Social care has always been an incredibly rewarding career, but now more than ever it’s a critical industry that will help to shape the way society moves into the future. The outbreak of Covid-19 and corresponding crisis around the world has seen many sectors come to a standstill, but social care is busier than it has ever been.

With social work and social care staff on the government's list of critical workers, it’s clear that the UK needs care workers now more than ever before. If you’re looking for a way to help out in this national time of need – or have always considered a career in care – here are a few reasons why it might be right for you.

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Every day is different

The sheer variety of tasks and situations you’ll encounter as a social care worker means that no two days will ever be the same. You’ll look after a wide range of individuals with different health conditions and ever-changing needs, meaning your communication and interpersonal skills will be well and truly honed. You’ll face different environments, people and situations every day, ensuring this is one job you’re unlikely to get bored in.

You’ll make an impact

When social carers are asked why they work in the industry, most of them will mention the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Few jobs offer the hands-on work with immediate outcomes that social care does, where workers can make a positive impact every single day.

For someone struggling due to ill health or old age, the smallest assistance from a social care worker can make a major difference, and it’s hard to deny the warm fuzzies you feel from helping someone to live a little better and easier. If you’re looking for a sense of worth and purpose and to know that what you’re doing matters, social care could be the perfect industry for you.

You’ll always be in demand

There are currently just under 1.5 million people working in the social care sector, with 1.9 million requests for adult social care support from 1.3 million new clients in 2018/19. The ageing population – and the higher number of disabled adults living for longer – means that we can expect to see these high numbers of demand grow even higher in the coming years.

Adult social care is growing and, according to the NHS, the sector needs at least another half million people working in it by 2030. Because of this, social care is seen as a very stable career path with different options, including both permanent and temporary social care jobs.

There’s room for progression

From support worker to director across permanent and temporary markets, there is a huge variety of roles within social care. And as social care services are changing and adapting all the time, there are plenty of opportunities to develop and progress through the sector. You may start as a care assistant or support worker then move into a registered manager or care home manager role, with a view to becoming a regional care manager or locality manager.

At the more senior level there are care roles as company director, director of care and CEO, showing there’s always something to be striving towards. In addition to all the care roles available, you can also use social care as a stepping stone into other sectors, such as nursing or social work.

Now is the time to kickstart your care career

Now more than ever, the UK needs compassionate, caring and qualified social care workers to help the nation stay safe. Our clients are committed to ensuring social care staff stay safe, making PPE available and adhering to government guidelines.

If you’re a social worker, carer or nurse, we can help you become fully registered and compliant for work. Get started by browsing our latest social care jobs or contact us to find out the next steps.