Social Care Assessor
Social Care Assessors (also known as occupational therapy or social care assistants) work alongside Social Workers and Occupational Therapist to help people live the best life they can.
You will work with older people, people with learning or physical disabilities or people with mental health problems with less complex needs and focus on promoting independence, wellbeing and helping people have control over their lives, including maintaining their relationships with family and friends and to be in employment.
What is unique about this role?
Social Care Assessors work with a number of people at any one time. This is often referred to as a caseload. Day-to-day work involves assessing people’s needs, strengths and wishes and developing creative support plans which enable and assist people living in their own homes to connect them to local services and communities to increase their independence.
Social Care Assessors work at our First Point of Contact or may be based in our Hospital Discharge, Sensory or Occupational Therapy teams. They will liaise with a number of social care professionals, health, voluntary and partner organisations to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. This might include providing information and advice on how to live at home safely, assessing their needs in line with the legislation and keeping detailed records.
Social Care Assessors will provide aids and equipment, including care and assistive technology to help people who struggle with day-to-day activities to live a full and independent life.
Career Pathway
Generally, there are no specific qualifications required to become a Social Care Assessor, although there are programmes available which provide an entry qualification into this kind of work.
Social Care Assessors benefit from learning on the job and can choose to develop their skills further through a range of formal training programmes. For example, you may study to obtain a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, foundation degrees or the Higher National Certificate in Occupational Therapy Support.
We have a wide range of training and development opportunities available in Calderdale including ILM management and leadership programmes. With experience, you’ll find opportunities to progress including through our social work and occupational therapy apprenticeship schemes.