YOU Could Be Somebody’s Hero with a Career in Social Care
Together… step into social care and make a difference.
Do you want a rewarding career that makes a difference and improves the lives of others? If so, a career in social care could be the right choice for you.
The ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign, which is delivered by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council), was officially launched by Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May and Chief Social Worker Aine Morrison at a special event at L’Arche Belfast last week.
They met Rachael, who works at L’Arche and Thomas, whom she supports. They both feature in the campaign, alongside others who share their very personal stories of working in social care and the people they support.
Each and every personal story brings home the message that working in social care is more than just a job - it's a chance to make a difference and become a superhero.
And whilst social care workers don't see themselves as heroes, the people they support often do.
It’s an inspiring and rewarding career path that makes an impact.
A Career in Social Care
Social care workers are individuals who help to support, care for, protect and empower people to live as well and as independently as possible. They deliver a range of practical help and emotional support to individuals, families and communities. Working in social care requires staff to be compassionate, kind and skilled in delivering a quality service to the people being supported.
Find out more about the campaign
Over 38,000 social care workers are making a difference in people’s lives across Northern Ireland. We are sharing their stories and shining a light on the men and women who dedicate themselves to social care. They believe in better. They believe in making a difference.
Begin your social care journey today…
Uncover these inspirational stories and see for yourself how you could change lives.
Championing a life without barriers - Rachel's Social Care Story
When Rachel left university, she wanted to make a difference in the world. She achieved that by becoming a support worker for L’Arche Belfast, where she helps people live their lives to the full.
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Not all heroes wear capes - Stephanie's Social Care Story
Though a busy mum of three, Stephanie McAleese cares for older people, and those with physical and learning disabilities in her Limavady community, as if they are part of her family. After leaving a deli counter job she started working as a social care worker for Connected Health. Six and a half years later, she is now a Regional Manager leading a team of 190 care assistants and three area managers. Every day she is making a difference to someone’s life as she supports her team who are at the frontline of putting community members, like Pat, first. Working with other health and social care professionals, social care workers are the backbone of society as they keep people safe and well at home. Stephanie believes there is no other job that is as fulfilling as a social care worker.
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Food for the soul - Rhonda's Social Care Story
Fermanagh native Rhonda Knox, after spending her entire career from 16 years of age as a chef and with the last of her three boys about to leave home, decided to find a job where she could continue to care for others. Working in social care as a Community Support Worker for Positive Futures, opened that door for Rhonda and she believes it can be an aspirational career for many more people if only they could see what it is really like. Rhonda works in both Positive Futures’ children and adults’ services in Fermanagh – as she says, she ‘gets the best of both worlds’. Paul and Mary are two of the people Rhonda supports and her work includes supporting them to get involved in community activities, building their social and independent living skills, such as engaging in leisure activities, learning to cook, doing arts and crafts etc. Rhonda says that building a relationship of trust and respect with people supported and their families is vital to what she does and she takes great pride in knowing that she is having a positive impact on their lives. She wishes she had known earlier about a career that gives her so much enjoyment - she couldn’t ask for more.