Starting Out Roles
These roles focus on supporting people day to day. They help people stay safe, live well, and remain as independent as possible. You might be working in a care home, someone else's home, or even your own home.
Jump to a job-role on this page
Support Worker (or Care Worker)
Support Workers, also called Care Workers, provide direct care and support to people. They assist with activities of daily living and promoting their independence.
You could work in a fixed location, such as a care home or day service, or you could travel to people's homes.
What You Might Do
- Help with washing, dressing, and other personal care
- Give people their medicine
- Help with meals and eating
- Chat and do fun activities
- Listen and give emotional support
- Help with appointments and daily plans
Where You Might Work
- Residential Homes
- Nursing Homes
- Supported Living Homes
- Day Centres
- People's Own Homes
Where You Can Go Next
Being a Support Worker is a great way to start a career in care. As you learn more, you could:
- Focus on special areas like helping with behaviour or planning activities
- Become a Senior Carer or Team Leader, and later train to be a manager
- Use your experience to boost your application for university.
Personal Assistant
Personal Assistants are usually chosen and hired by the person who needs help, or by their family. They give everyday support to help people live independently at home and enjoy life.
You get to build a close and trusted relationship with someone, helping them live their best life. You'll learn lots of useful skills and make a real difference.
Staffordshire County Council have a lot of information on personal assistants. You can see how to become a personal assistant and the benefits of being a personal assistant.
What you might do
- Help with washing, bathing, and getting dressed
- Cook and prepare meals
- Go shopping or join in fun activities
- Help with going to appointments
Where You Might Work
Most Personal Assistants work in the person's own home.
Where You Can Go Next
Being a Personal Assistant is a great way to start a career in care. You could progress by:
- Learning special skills like PBS Positive Behaviour Support) or become an Activities Worker
- Moving into leadership roles like Senior Carer; Care Coordinator, or Team Leader
- Using your experience to apply for university.
Shared Lives Carer
Shared Lives is a unique kind of care. You'll support an adult with a long-term condition by sharing your home and life with them. You’ll be matched with someone who has similar interests, so you can enjoy spending time together.
You can choose how much support you give:
- Full-time - they live with you in your home
- Day support - you help for a few hours or days
- Short breaks - like overnight stays or weekend visits
What You Might Do
- Help with everyday tasks like cooking or going out
- Give emotional support and friendship
- Help with personal care if needed
- Support them to enjoy hobbies and activities
- Be there when they need someone to talk to
Where You Might Work
You'll usually work in your own home, sharing your space with the person you support.
Where You Can Go Next
Being a Shared Lives Carer gives you great experience in care. You could:
- Learn special skills like PBS or become an Activities Worker
- Move into leadership roles like Team Leader or Manager
- Use your experience to apply for university.