Job Description

Community and Outreach Support work is based on support rather than direct personal care. They will teach people who need care and support, to look after themselves and teach them skills such as how to cook themselves a meal safely and how to make themselves a hot drink. They may organise activities such as shopping trips, visits to the theatre or cinema or they may simple be with individuals in their own home to help them cope with day to day living.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You can do a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, which may help when you look for work.

You'll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Health and Social Care:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct Application

You could apply directly after getting experience in a care role, like a care worker or a healthcare assistant in a:

hospital
hospice
care home
children's home

You'll usually need a GCSE in English for this route.

Career tips

You could get experience by volunteering, which will give you an advantage with course and job applications.

You'll need to pass enhanced background checks.

Experience of caring within your own family or community can help you get into this job.

Think Care Careers has information and advice about careers in adult social care.

Career Path and Progression

With experience you could work towards qualifying as a social worker. You could do this yourself, or with support and funding from your employer.

You could also move into related careers like family support work or counselling.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Healthcare assistant
Care home advocate
Drug and alcohol worker
Family support worker
Residential support worker

Required Skills

excellent communication skills
tact, patience and the ability to cope in difficult situations
the ability to build good working relationships
the ability to work in teams with other professionals
problem-solving skills
organisational skills
IT skills

Salary Range

£12,500 to £25,000

Community Support & Outreach Worker