Thanks for helping us spread the word about careers in adult social care.

These resources are free to use for stakeholders such as Local Authorities, adult social care providers and employers.

You can:

  • Access and download the promotional campaign materials (posters and images to use on social media).
  • Download the partner toolkit which features suggested key messages, campaign resources, and suggested social media posts.

Campaign assets

Stakeholder Toolkits

Our toolkits include information and links to all assets to support adult social care providers with recruitment.

How-to guides

Our how-to guides provide advice and guidance on how to best use social media, work with local media and run your own recruitment campaigns.

Website Guide

The website guide summarises all requirements, key information and links to share with those interested in a career in adult social care.

A4 posters

Our A4 posters include editable versions to help stakeholders spread the word about careers in adult social care.

A3 posters

Our A3 posters are available to support stakeholders spread the word about careers in adult social care.

Conversational tool

Download our conversational tool to help support people considering a career in adult social care.

Web banners

Our banners can be used on stakeholder websites and have been produced in multiple formats to help spread the word about adult social care recruitment.

Email signature

You can download our ‘There’s more to care than caring’ email signature.

Careers in Adult Social Care Virtual Workshop FAQs

Find the answers to the top asked questions during the Careers in Adult Social Care Virtual Workshop.

Is there an age limit to become a care worker?

No, you can enter into the career at any age. Depending on the role, you may be required to be at least 18 years old due to administering certain medications, however this would be indicated in the job description.

Take a look at our many stories on this website to read case studies from those who work within the sector.

Is there opportunity to progress within an adult social care career?

Of course! For many roles, you’ll need to gain relevant work-based qualifications within five years of starting your job (e.g. Scottish Vocational Qualifications, or SVQs), which show you have the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the sector. Your career development can include specialising on working with people with specific support needs such as autism or substance abuse. Alternatively, you can broaden your experience to support many people across diverse groups

You can also complete apprenticeships and other qualifications, including university degrees, while you work, and you can increase your responsibilities and skillset through specialised training. Plus, with opportunities to move into management or leadership roles, a job caring for adults can be the gateway to an interesting and worthwhile career.

Is it possible to move careers into adult social care? If so, how do I start this process?

Absolutely, take a look at Clair’s story at caretocare.union-sg.co.uk/stories/clair-anderson/ where she talks about her decision to switch careers from insurance to care, along with many other stories from those who followed a similar path.

Getting into a career in adult social care is quite simple. As adult social care doesn’t need any specific qualifications to start your journey, all you have to do is decide on the type of care worker role you would like to like and then search for roles near you via many different websites including:

Once you have found the role and job that you would like to do, you will usually be asked to fill out an application form. If you are successful and you have begun your job in the sector, you’ll need to register with the SSSC within six months of starting work. Registration makes you part of one of the biggest workforces in Scotland who take pride and passion in the work they do to improve the lives of people across the country. It also allows you to access to a wide range of support and resources.

Download ‘Your guide to working in adult social care.’ today for in-depth information on everything you need to know on how to start your social care career.

What is the difference between a Care Assistant and a Support Worker?

“Care assistant” and “support worker” are two of the most common titles for roles in social care. They both focus on providing care and support to individuals. The exact title of your role will depend on your employer, and sometimes the preferences of people using a care service will influence job titles.

Other examples of similar roles which you’ll see on job adverts include “social care worker”, “home care assistant”, “residential support worker” and “care worker”

The job advert will explain what your responsibilities will be and whether you will need to register with the SSSC. Finding out your SSSC registration category from your new or potential employer is a good way of understanding what responsibilities you’ll have, and what qualification you’ll complete in work. You can find out more about registration categories and qualifications at www.careersincare.scot (many of the career stories include employer job titles alongside a person’s SSSC registration category).

These are skilled roles and sometimes you may need experience to apply. However, many employers are willing to hire people without experience if they have strong values and a positive approach. Employers will also provide training and support once you start work.

Are there any tips on how to pick the right setting? (for example, between elderly care, day centre or a speciality care like autism or epilepsy).

It’s helpful to remember that care services provide support to a range of different people, and each person will be unique. Therefore no matter where you work you’ll have the opportunity to learn from people and develop your skills in particular areas. Some examples of what you’ll learn about include dementia, learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Of course if you become passionate about a particular area this might influence the direction your career takes once you have some experience.

It’s a good idea to research different employers in your area to find out more about their ethos and the types of support they provide. This can help you make a decision about where to apply.

A final piece of advice is to look at the real stories on the stories at caretocare.union-sg.co.uk/stories and www.careersincare.scot. By doing this you’ll see that social service workers may start in one service, but then move around different types of service in the course of their career. The flexibility and potential to work with lots of different people is a real benefit of a career in social care