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Social care personal  assistant

A social care personal assistant is an entry-level role, where you’ll help an individual with various aspects of their daily lives. You’ll be employed directly by them, supporting them to live more independently.

What does a social care personal  assistant do?

You’ll support individuals in their own homes as well as out in the community, helping them to live as independently as possible. Your role may also include:

  • Supporting individuals with social activities.
  • Assisting with personal care.
  • Helping with practical tasks around the home.
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What does the role involve?

Your day-to-day might include:

  • Organising and supporting individuals with social and physical activities.
  • Booking and accompanying them to appointments.
  • Helping them get to work, college or university.
  • Assisting with personal care, such as showering and dressing. (Not all PA roles involve this).
  • Supporting with tasks around the house.
  • Monitoring their health, e.g. measuring body temperatures or administering medication.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

This is an entry-level role, so what’s most important is:

  • Your kindness, compassion and people skills.
  • Good English, numeracy and digital skills.
  • Flexibility and strong organisational and time management skills.
  • Your ability to work to your initiative.

You may also need:

  • GCSE A-C in English and Maths.
  • A social care qualification such as Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications – if you’re interested in getting them, you can work towards them once you start the job.

What hours will I work?

Being a social care personal assistant is flexible, and your hours are usually based on shift patternts, so you can find a work/life balance that suits you.

Is there training and progression?

When you first start working in care, you’ll undergo basic training such as health and safety, first aid, and moving and handling. You might also receive specific training based on what the person you’re caring for needs.

You can also benefit from:

  • Informal training & education.
  • Formal qualifications such as a Diploma in Health and Social Care (up to Level 5) or specialist subjects like dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
  • Over 50 vocational qualifications at all levels including topics such as dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
  • Opportunities to progress and develop in adult social care and specialise in a certain area or take on more responsibility.

Hear why Trish chose a career in care

Trish wanted to make a real difference to people’s lives, empowering them to live normal independent lives.

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