What job and career opportunities are there?

Scottish local authorities offer a wide range of job titles within their social care departments, covering various levels of responsibility and specialisms. These roles are broadly categorised into direct care and support, professional roles, and management/administrative positions. 
Here's a breakdown of common job titles you'll find:

Direct Care and Support Roles (often entry-level with opportunities for progression):

• Care Worker / Home Care Worker / Social Care Worker: These are frontline roles providing direct support with daily living, personal care, social activities, and assisting individuals in their own homes or in care settings.
• Activities Worker/Coordinator: Organises and facilitates social activities, trips, and entertainment for service users.
• Personal Assistant (PA): Supports an individual to live as independently as possible, often in their own home, with tasks tailored to their specific needs.
• Rehabilitation Worker: Helps people regain independence after illness or accident, assisting with housing, finance, and life skills.
• Housing Support Officer: Provides advice and support to help people maintain their tenancy and live independently.
• Support Assistant/Worker: A general term for roles providing direct support to individuals, often in specific areas like learning disabilities, mental health, or children's services.
• Wellbeing Activity Coordinator: Focuses on connecting individuals with non-medical community support to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.
• Escort/Attendant: May be involved in assisting individuals during transport or outings.

Professional Roles (requiring specific qualifications):

• Social Worker: A key professional role, offering counselling, advocacy, and intervention, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Social workers often specialise in:
  • Adult Social Work (e.g., Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Older People)
  • Children and Families Social Work (e.g., Child Protection, Adoption & Fostering, Kinship Care)
  • Criminal Justice Social Worker
• Occupational Therapist (OT): Works with people with physical, mental, or social disabilities to help them participate in everyday activities, often through physical rehabilitation or providing equipment.
• Advocacy Worker: Supports vulnerable people to have their voice heard and ensures their best interests are considered in decision-making.
• Mental Health Officer (MHO): A specialist social worker who assesses individuals with mental health issues who may require compulsory care.
• Registered Nurse / Nursing Associate: While more common in health boards, some local authority social care settings, particularly care homes, will employ nursing staff.
• Counsellor: Provides emotional support for various challenges like bereavement, long-term conditions, or addiction.
• Welfare Rights Officer: Advises on benefits, housing benefits, and other financial entitlements.
• Employment Advisor: Supports individuals with care and support needs to find and maintain employment.

Management and Administrative Roles:

• Team Leader / Supervisor: Oversees and guides a team of care workers or support staff.
• Manager / Deputy Manager / Service Manager: Responsible for the day-to-day running of a service, ensuring standards, managing budgets, and leading staff. This can include:
  • Care Service Manager (e.g., for a care home or day service)
  • Team Manager (e.g., for a specific social work team)
• Specialist Coordinator (e.g., Dementia or End of Life Care Coordinator): Focuses on a specific area of care, often involved in staff training and policy implementation.
• Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO): A senior leadership role within a local authority, often holding a broad operational portfolio.
• Practice Educator: Supports the learning and development of social work students and staff.
• Administrator: Provides essential administrative support to the department.
• Finance Officer: Manages the finances of the social care services.
• HR (Human Resources): Involved in hiring and supporting staff within the department.
• Trainer or Assessor: Designs and delivers training for social care staff, potentially including Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

It's important to note that specific job titles and their responsibilities can vary slightly between different Scottish local authorities, but these examples provide a comprehensive overview of the types of roles available. Many positions also require registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).