16 Jan Start your career in care in Essex.
Essex County Council are launching the ‘Your Career Matters. Bring your Passion. Work in Care’ campaign this January to attract more care workers into the Essex care sector.
With reports of over 75% of people thinking about a new job (1), it’s hoped working in Adult Social Care will be a career choice many will consider.
There are currently 3,600 (2) vacancies for carers like caring for those in their own homes and the council want to show, through this campaign, how being a carer can be a rewarding, fulfilling career choice where you can make a real difference to your community.
There are over 35,000 working in the care sector making it one of the county’s biggest workforces This allows lots of variety with different job roles and the chance for training and to progress your career.
Fay Blackwell, aged 30 from South East Essex, is a Community Care Assistant at ECL. She became a carer seven months ago following a career change.
Fay said: “I used to work in a pub, I was a supervisor for four years. Then I decided I just wanted a change in career. I’ve always been a caring person, so I explored ways of helping people through my job and settled on a career in care.
“If you’re looking for new opportunities in 2023 then you should definitely consider becoming a carer. Each day brings so much variety and satisfaction – it’s incredibly rewarding to know that you can help people in a time when they might not have anyone else.
“There’s lots of training to help you get started and if you’re ever stuck, there’s always someone you can go to for support. It’s the most fulfilling career to work in and I’d say to anyone ’Find out more and consider giving it a try.’”
49-year-old Emmanuel has been a Trusted Assessor for ECL for over five years in Brentwood.
Emmanuel said: “I used to be a security officer for the Home Office. I’ve always had this passion for caring, so I started to look at roles in the care sector. I work with clients who’ve had an operation or injury and need help getting back on their feet. I provide that support until they can manage on their own.”
“It is so lovely to see people getting stronger every day knowing that you are helping them and making a difference. It is why I am passionate about this job. I think it is a huge privilege and honour to help people in this way. This work is just so rewarding and fulfilling.”
A recent public consultation by Essex County Council found nearly 77% of respondents (3) believed the council should prioritise spending to protect the most vulnerable and those without choice. As a result, Essex County Council are spending an additional £58million on a range of Adult Social Care services in the next year to support the sector, bringing the total budget to £506m.
Essex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Holly Whitbread said: “A career in care brings great job satisfaction and an exciting variety of responsibilities. This recruitment campaign tells the stories of our dedicated carers, like Fay and Emmanuel, who have come from other sectors and bring their experiences and knowledge, while learning new skills at the same time. Carers do such amazing work, supporting adults of all ages, including young adults with a disability, or older people recovering after a fall.”
“At Essex County Council, we’re passionate about promoting care. It’s such an important service, one that touches on all our lives at some point. Come and work in social care and find out for yourself. Apply now for a rewarding future and a career you’ll be proud of.”
