Adult social care careers

Careers in adult social care

Adult social care services across the Highland area are commissioned through NHS Highland, and we work with many partnership organisations in the private and third sectors to deliver these services. This could be in a care home, day care services or within someone's own home in the community.

Adult social care covers all forms of personal and practical support for adults who need extra support to stay healthy, play a part in their community and lead as fulfilling a life as possible.

Working in adult social care is a way to make a real difference to the lives of adults from different backgrounds who need support. It's a hugely rewarding job that offers real career progression if you want it. If you're someone who's kind and patient, and treats others with dignity and respect, then adult social care could be the perfect career choice for you.

No experience or qualifications are necessary to start in adult social care, as training and support will be provided.

Find out more here about working in this setting, and where you might be able to find a job role to start your social care career in adult services.

Pathways into adult social care

There are many ways to start in adult social care:

• Modern apprenticeships can provide you with a chance to get employed and learn on the job. Foundation apprenticeships are available if you are still in school.
• Learning in the workplace - the most popular qualification in social services is the SVQ and you gain this while working. So you are earning while learning!
• You can study at college - full-time, or get a job and study part-time where available. Work experience will help you secure a place on your chosen course.
• Bring the knowledge you gain at university to a career in social care. You could also work in social care while you study. The SSSC accepts a range of practice-based qualifications gained at university. This includes social work, nursing, teaching and a range of allied health professions.
• Volunteering - see if you can volunteer in a local care home, or at a local lunch club or charity.
• Work experience during summer holidays in a local care home can help you show employers that you are committed, and understand what it's like to work with people within adult social care.
• Transferable skills are really useful too. So if you’ve worked in retail or hospitality for example, you might have great interpersonal skills, as well as being able to manage money and know how to keep an environment safe and clean. These are all skills that are useful for a career in social care.