Recruitment events for social carers

The Department of Health will be running a series of recruitment events with Rochdale Council and a local employer at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre on Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March and Middleton Arndale Shopping Centre from Thursday 12 March to Saturday 14 March.

There will be a number of social care jobs available at the events at Rochdale Exchange and Middleton Arndale Shopping Centres. Residents will be able to discuss the social care positions available with representatives from Rochdale Council and local employer Nestor Healthcare Ltd, the largest independent organisation dedicated to providing managed services to the UK health and social care market.

There will also be the opportunity to speak to those working in the social care sector to gain a real life insight into the rewards and benefits of caring for others.

A spokesperson said: "Social care work offers a worthwhile job that could turn into a rewarding career. Employees can make a massive difference in the community by carrying out simple tasks which have a big impact on the person they are working with."

On a day to day basis, social care workers provide the practical support necessary to help people cope with every day living. Jobs range from home care assistants, to work within residential care homes and there are a wide range of positions working with older people, children, families and people with disabilities.

Candidates do not need specific qualifications and will be offered all the training needed to get them started.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said: “The people who work in social care have jobs that are demanding but very rewarding. If you are a passionate people person and get a kick out of helping others, a job in social care could be just the thing you are looking for. If you’ve had experience caring for a family member or friend and might be interested in getting paid to care for others, come along to the recruitment event and find out more. It could put you on the path to a really satisfying career.”

Adele Boyle, Human Resources Business Partner at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We know that within the next few years there will be an increase in demand on social care services in Rochdale and Middleton, and we will need the staff to reflect this. Social care offers a wide range of jobs for both qualified and unqualified people, and many people already have skills that are relevant and transferable to social care. ”

Jane Ashton, project manager for Rochdale and Middleton’s Short Term Assessment and Rehabilitation Service, added: “Working in social care can be extremely rewarding. I manage an occupational therapist who works helping older people who have had strokes to speak again, meaning that they can stay at home rather than being in a clinical setting. If you want to change career or are currently not in work, you can go into certain social care roles without qualifications, and then learn as you earn.”

And Social Work Team Manager Pete Curran, of Rochdale Borough Council, added: “If you are interested in working with people, social work could be the career for you. I love the fact that I get out and meet people face to face rather than sit behind a desk. Also you are never working in isolation and get to work with a wide range of agencies across the borough, from health to education, and you can really help people.”

For further information about social care career opportunities in your area, attend your local events from 9am until 5.30pm at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre on Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March and Middleton Arndale Shopping Centre from Thursday 12 March to Saturday 14 March or visit www.socialcarecareers.co.uk