Importance of Qualifications in Health and Social Care

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Training and education are vitally important when it comes to working in health and social care, workers have a huge responsibility to the service users they care for. An NVQ in Health and Social care is recognised by CQC (Care Quality Commission) as the leading qualification for any care worker. Starting with a Level 2, which covers all the fundamentals of care giving such as the principles of safeguarding, health and safety and moving/handling training. Candidates can then choose which pathway they would like to go down, they have a choice between health, social care or children’s and young people.

At JAYCO, our Health and Social care team are always looking to employ people with at least an NVQ Level 2 as this demonstrates they have the knowledge and experience needed to work in a complex care environments. A Level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE level and is usually held by someone in a Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker position.  For some roles such as Children’s Residential Workers we require candidates to have an NVQ Level 3 or above, to complete a Level 3 qualification the candidate must already be working within a care environment, most training providers provide part time courses which allows the candidate to fit their studying around their schedule. The NVQ Level 3 is the equivalent of an A-level qualification and is best suited for those who have experience working without supervision. As with a Level 2, a Level 3 qualification has mandatory units and optional ones depending on the care worker. Optional units offer candidates an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in more specialist units such as end of life care or leadership. All Senior Healthcare Assistants and Senior Support Workers that are employed by JAYCO must also have an NVQ Level 3 or higher, workers in these roles are responsible for leading teams of care and support assistants therefore they must have the right experience and leadership skills in order to carry out their role effectively. To be successful in a management role in a care setting candidates must have an NVQ Level 5, this is applicable to roles such as a Home Manager. This qualification teaches candidates about how leadership and management concepts are effective in the work place.

If you hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification or above and are looking for either a Children’s Residential Worker or Senior Care Assistant role, please get in touch today. Alternatively, if you hold an NVQ Level 2 we also want to hear from you as we are always looking to expand our network of Care Assistants and Support Workers. Our permanents team often supply management positions for Level 5 candidates, so keep an eye out on our website the latest senior management vacancies. Full job descriptions and locations can be found on the jobs section of our website.  

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