More adult social care workers wanted in Essex
There are a range of jobs within the adult social care field
Essex County Council and Essex Carers Limited are working together to encourage more people to get a job in adult social care.
The number of adult social care jobs are predicted to increase by 36% (580,000 jobs) nationally to around 2.20 million jobs by 2035.
The Covid-19 outbreak has given many the opportunity to embark on a new career or has forced others to reconsider another form of employment.
There is a big range of adult social care jobs and a wealth of diverse jobs currently available, which will always be needed.
Essex Carers Limited want to explain the benefits of having a career in adult social care to Essex Residents.
Director of Adult Social Care, Nick Presmeg, said: “To start your career in adult social care, all you need is the right qualities, rather than specific qualifications. With on-the-job training and ongoing support, starting a career in care has never been easier.
“Working in adult social care is not just an emotionally rewarding role, it’s one of the most in-demand and varied roles too. Working with a range of people with different care needs means that no day is the same”.
Adult social care workers can be based in the community, in care homes, hospitals or people’s homes.
Tasks range from supporting people to participate in social activities in the community, to helping with personal care, such as getting dressed or cooking meals.
All jobs are designed to provide personal and practical support to help people live independently; from adults with disabilities, to older people, or those with mental or physical conditions.
37-year-old Hayley Favell from Clacton-on-Sea, who has worked in adult social care for 18 years said she would “not consider” any other career.
“Seeing the difference you make to someone’s life, no matter how small, is so rewarding”.
Working at the Autism Anglia Jigsaw Centre, which is a specialist Day Centre supporting over 60 autistic adults each week, Hayley gets involved with a huge variety of activities.
Her work is geared towards helping develop social skills, improve self-confidence, learn new skills, improve everyday life skills, and ultimately work towards independent living.
Hayley says that she loves her current role as every day is completely different and seeing the difference you can make to someone’s life, no matter how small, is so rewarding.
“It can be upsetting to see someone come through the door who may not even be comfortable looking at you but then it’s amazing to watch them slowly coming out of their shell; all from just helping them with little things. You get such a sense of achievement when you see small progressions in their social skills.
“The fact I’ve been doing it for nearly two decades is testament how much I get from it. I would strongly advocate it as a viable and rewarding career. Just look at me – I started off as a Lifeskills Instructor, progressing to develop and open a new personal and social development department.
“Now I’m involved with planning, managing, and developing the Jigsaw Centre, alongside management. There are just so many different avenues within adult social care and a real opportunity to progress within the sector”.
Nick Presmeg supports Hayley’s point of view and said: “Working in adult social care can provide great ongoing career progression and job security, which has become particularly important to many people during the pandemic. Make a difference to people’s lives, including your own, and apply today”.
If you are considering changing careers or want to explore a new career in social care then visit the Every Day is Different website: https://www.everydayisdifferent.com