Interest in “caring careers” is growing according to new data released by the Department of Health (DH), with many older people joining the ranks of the profession.

The national social work and social care recruitment information line has received more than 160,000 calls since May 2002, with over 40,000 calls in 2005. Data also shows that seven in 10 of those who enquired about social care work had actually gained employment in the profession, or were looking for a suitable vacancy.

The new figures are released as the DH launches a new phase of the national recruitment drive to encourage more people to consider a career in the social care sector.

There are about one million social care workers in the UK, employed across a range of sectors including:

•  Home care

•  Residential care for adults and older people

•  Residential care and fostering for children

•  Field work for young people, adults and families

•  Independent living for disabled people

Key qualities that make a good social care worker include:

•  Good communication and organisational skills

•  Patience and maturity

•  A calm, friendly and tolerant nature

For further information on social care work careers visit www.socialcarecareers.co.uk or call 0845 604 6404.

Relevant links

• Social Careers (Opens a new window)