Health and Social Care
The Health and Social Care sector contains pretty much any role you can think of, and loads of fun ones that you’ve probably never thought of!
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Recent years have brought into focus just how much we rely on both the clinical and non-clinical workers in the healthcare sector. Our NHS is the country’s largest employer with 1.3 million staff – that is one in every 25 working age adults in England. This makes it the biggest employer in Europe and the world’s largest employer of highly skilled professionals. Dorset has one of four healthcare innovation hubs nationally and the healthcare sector demand has grown exponentially over the past years. The sector is predicted to expand further in the future, offering a great variety of career opportunities. There are around 1,290 organisations engaged in health and social care in Dorset and employers range from small private sector businesses to large public sector organisations. The NHS is the largest employer and recruiter as are many social care providers such as Colten Care and Agincare as well as established healthcare insurer Vitality and private healthcare provider Nuffield Health.
There are over 350 different jobs within the NHS – so there really is something for everyone. Most of us have accessed some form of healthcare in our lives – the first time would have been the day we were born! If someone mentions healthcare, we mostly think of hospitals and key roles such as doctors and nurses. But there are hundreds of roles in this sector that don’t require a specific medical qualification. This industry also looks after those in residential care, such as the elderly. If you work in social care, you could help people in their own homes, in residential homes or in a number of other places such as day centres or supported housing.
One of the largest employment sectors in Dorset, health and social care employs 49,000 people (15% of the workforce) contributing £1.9 billion (11%) to the overall Dorset economy and has grown 54% in economic outputs over the past decade. And the social value it contributes is immeasurable i.e., what is the economic output of a nurse?
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What you'll need
You’ll need patience, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, sensitivity and understanding, the ability to work well with others, the ability to work well under pressure, excellent verbal communication skills and customer service skills.
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Health and Social Care Jobs
Red – Formal qualifications required – GCSEs Grades 4-9, Level 3 Qualifications, A levels or Degree
Amber – Some formal qualifications may be required at Level 2 depending on the employer this will vary depending on the organisation and position
Green – No formal qualification required
Care Assistant
Healthcare Assistant
Hospital Catering Staff
Hospital Housekeeper and Domestic Staff
Hospital Porter
Hospital Stores and Distribution Staff
Linen Services Staff
Radiography Assistant