Most people perceive work in care to be a single job, with little opportunity for career development. However, there is a career ladder for those in care work who wish to progress.
Start as a Senior Care Assistant
Most employers would look to promote reliable care assistants to the role of Senior Care Assistant within one to two years. In this role they will support junior staff, coordinate handovers, manage administration and also take responsibility for the management of medicines as required. They will still be on the front line but in a more management based role.
Formalise Your Skills With QQI Awards
Having a QQI Award, particularly a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support award (a level of award recognised within the National Framework of Qualifications for your time as a Care Assistant will mean you are viewed as more competent for any promotion within a care setting or for transfer to other related settings/specialisms and indeed for other careers. Many employers will support you in your studies for this award whilst you are in post as a Care Assistant.
Specialise in a Care Area
Short specialist courses are available in Dementia care and Palliative care for trained care assistants, enabling them to increase their level of expertise, thereby increasing their level of responsibility and their pay grade as a care assistant.
Move Into Coordination or Team Leadership
With experience as a care assistant and a Level 5 award you can progress to become a team leader or care coordinator. Your new role would oversee rota’s carry out client assessments and supervise other care staff.
Progress Into Healthcare or Social Work
Of course the biggest leap is to go back to college to complete a degree in nursing or social care work, that’s a longer route that many take and which can be very rewarding. For Care Assistant Jobs Wicklow, visit www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-jobs-wicklow.
The progression in care is real, and each step builds on the last.