Adults' and Children's Social Care

• Around 27,000 people work in adult social care in Norfolk; around two thirds work in professional or managerial positions.
• An ageing population means that of all the sectors, health and care will see the biggest rise in jobs creation over the coming years.  However...
• ... the sector is struggling to recruit people with the right skills: there are typically just under 1,300 vacancies for staff in adult social care in Norfolk at any one time.
• The number of people working in mental health is growing; areas include children and young people's mental health, adult mental illness, bereavement support, gambling support, and therapeutic care.

• Listening
• Speaking
• Care and compassion
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Planning and organisation
• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Calm under pressure
• Digital skills

• English
• Maths
• Music
• Biology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Art
• Chemistry
• RE/philosophy

• Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust
• Norfolk County Council
• NorseCare
• Carebase
• Various nursing and care homes

Nursey nurse                      £12,300-£24,500

Care worker                        £14,000-£30,500

Housing officer                    £21,200-£33,800

Mental health nurse            £24,250-£51,000

Day care manager              £24,400-£46,200

Play therapist                      £24,500-£43,600

Social worker                      £27,600-£44,400+

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

There are job opportunities at all qualification levels, but some jobs in social care need a level 4-6 qualification and some need a degree.

Getting GCSE grade 4 and above in maths and English will help you get into this sector and keep your career options open.

Options at 16

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

- adult care worker

This apprenticeship can lead to work or further study.  Some employers look for GCSE English and maths at grade 4 and above but others will help you to gain the qualifications.

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

- lead adult care worker

This apprenticeship plus experience can give career progression to manager level roles.  Some employers may ask for GCSE English and maths at grade 4 and above or level 2 in care - always check individual requirements carefully.

T levels and other vocational qualifications - in health or education and childcare can prepare you for work or related higher-level apprenticeships or courses.

A levels - subjects such as psychology, biology, sociology or law can be useful for gaining an understanding in this area of work but are not essential.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - Degrees in this area of work include social work, counselling and youth work; some health careers such as occupational therapist and mental health nurse are also found in this sector.  Some postgraduate courses and accelerated health programmes accept graduates who have studied a different subject for their first degree.

Apprenticeship - Higher and degree apprenticeships in this sector include:-

• Social worker (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Leader in adult care (level 5)
• Play therapist (level 7)
• Children, young people and families practitioner (level 4)

Competition can be high for some apprenticeships - check entry requirements carefully.

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will improve your chances of finding a job in health or social care; it will also help when applying for an apprenticeship or degree course.