Make winter work for you

Hibernating for the winter is so tempting right now. But hiding in a cave made from your duvet and pillows could mean missing out on an exciting new career.

Why? Because with Christmas just around the corner and the colder weather here to stay for the next few months, there are plenty of roles in social care that become even more vital and in-demand.

So let’s take a look at just some of the positions you can expect to find over the winter season.

Right now life can be especially challenging for the elderly and infirm. Poor weather, slippery pavements and temperamental transport make even the most mundane tasks seem wooly mammoth huge.

This is why Home Carers are such an important lifeline for the vulnerable. As well as assisting with day-to-day needs – washing, housework, shopping and medication – Home Carers provide emotional support to clients . . . and at this time of year simply being there for someone really does mean so much.

It takes physical and mental stamina to succeed in this role as well as patience. But the incredible job satisfaction you get back is on par with being Father Christmas every day of the year.

But even Santa would have his work cut out ensuring a happy festive period for some young people. Thankfully, there’s an altogether different army of little helpers on hand: Youth Support Workers.

Vulnerable young people with chaotic family lives can often find Christmas and New Year extra-difficult but Support Workers are on hand to make sure they have the practical support and advice not only to get through and even enjoy the festive holidays but to make informed life choices for the future.

As well as mentoring duties, as a Support Workers you’ll provide one-on-one and group sessions to young people, organise activities, implement action plans, and counsel on a range of important topics including sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

You’ll also be expected to liaise with various agencies, charities and organisations.

Having a keen understanding of how young people feel and think is essential and you’ll need to be trustworthy and tolerant.

The next few months are also notorious as a time when animals are abandoned, having been bought on a whim as gifts. As well as rescuing unwanted pets, Animal Welfare Officers respond to calls from the public to help re-home animals, investigate reports of abuse or neglect, and provide advice and education for owners.

Working in animal welfare is a true vocation and, as such, needs real drive, dedication and determination. The rewards, of course, are well worth the effort.

Sadly, rates of homelessness continue to rise across the UK and harsh winters make things even more challenging for those in need.

That’s where Homelessness Case Officers come in, helping to assess needs in order to find accommodation. This involves interviewing the homeless and those threatened with homelessness, providing advice and practical solutions, creating personal housing plans and liaising with the relevant social care agencies.

For this to work, you’ll need compassion, sensitivity and good written and verbal communication skills.

If you’d like to join these social care experts with a new career in Social Services and Housing, search now for the latest vacancies.

Winter, Summer, Autumn or Spring, there are plenty of jobs on offer all year round!

Posted on December 4, 2019