Senior care worker

You could do a college course in care work, for example:

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do a lead adult care worker advanced apprenticeship to get into this career and then take further training on the job.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a care support worker and move into a senior role through further training and promotion.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience in social care or health.

Employers may also ask for a qualification in care or health.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in care from Think Care Careers.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• business management skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a full driving licence

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• supervise a team of care assistants
• write care plans
• monitor patients' vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate
• complete patient medication records
• develop and lead activities for service users
• keep families up to date about their relative's progress
• train and mentor new staff
• attend team meetings with service managers
• provide emergency cover

You could work at a client's home, in an NHS or private hospital or at an adult care home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.