Make the resolution to have a new, fulfilling job that really makes a difference this year.
The new year is the perfect time to think about what you’re looking for from a job, so if you’ve found yourself dreading Mondays or thinking about changing careers, take a look at our list of rewarding roles.
Rewarding roles
Can you raise a smile… when it’s needed most?
Working in adult social care can be an amazingly rewarding career and the good news is, there are certain skills and qualities you may have that mean you’re already more qualified than you realise. If a rewarding role with plenty of free training and opportunities to progress sounds good to you, please get in touch! If you’re someone who likes to chat, can put people at ease and the go-to type your friends turn to for help, we’d love to hear from you. Please call 01323 464405 for an informal chat with one of the team.
Teach in schools and find your spark
There are many different routes into teaching depending on your qualifications and how you want to train. If you have already have a degree, you could train to teach in less than a year with a school placement. Switching careers has never been easier, as depending on the subject you would like to teach, you could earn a salary or a bursary of up to £28,000.
Karen, now a primary school teacher, was told growing up that she wasn’t clever enough to become a teacher. Deterred, she worked in a nursery before being encouraged to pursue teaching. She hasn’t looked back since: “It’s very rewarding to be able to see the children in your care grow in confidence and ability and it gives you a real sense of pride and job satisfaction. I love it and feel that I have achieved what I have always wanted to do. I only wish I had done it earlier.”
Read our interviews with four local teachers on why teaching is their dream job.
If you think you could make a real difference in schools find out more about becoming a teacher.
Be part of an outstanding team with children’s social work
Our innovative children’s social work teams are rated outstanding by Ofsted. We offer qualified social workers a progressive environment in which they can develop their practice and make a real difference to the young people of East Sussex. Our social workers are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with children and families and trained to deliver sophisticated interventions which bring about genuine and long-lasting change.
We look for the ambitious, creative, and professionally-curious. In addition to newly- qualified and experienced social workers, we welcome applications from qualified individuals looking to return to social work through our specially-designed programme. In return, we offer a highly-competitive package of benefits and a working environment where professionals are supported and valued. We need social workers to work in teams – including fostering and children’s disability – and are particularly interested in finding professionals to work in the diverse town of Hastings. Find out more about children’s social work in Hastings.
Vocational and part time roles
Be a school governor in your spare time
Being a school governor is not only a great way to give back to your local community but also looks great on your CV. There’s no pay, however you can be given time off work for this fulfilling role. You don’t need any previous experience as you will receive full training when you become a governor and continuing professional development is available, even specialising in areas such as health and safety and finance as well as giving you experience of management within a large organisation. Find out more about becoming a school governor. You may also want to read our interview with a parent who recently became a school governor.
Have you got room to spare and time to care?
If you have a spare room and a bit of time, you could provide supported lodgings. It may not be a term you’re familiar with, but for dozens of vulnerable young adults in our county, supported lodgings can be an important lifeline. The service matches providers with young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or living in care, giving them the opportunity to learn the skills they need to become independent. The young person in question goes to live with a supported lodgings provider, who offers them a room in their house and support with valuable everyday tasks like putting a wash on, cooking a meal and applying for jobs. Unfortunately, misconceptions can get in the way of people applying. For example, people often think they can’t be providers if they’re single, or that they can’t work full-time and offer supported lodgings. Neither of which is true.
The Lamberts are current providers and testament to the latter. “Although we both work full time, it doesn’t interfere with our life at all, it’s part of our life. And it’s a part we really, really enjoy. Even if you’re just thinking about it – make a call, or just talk to someone. If it’s tempting you… have a go.” Hear more about their experience of being supported lodging providers.
You can find out more about supported lodgings, and becoming a provider with the council, by visiting the supported lodgings pages on the website or calling 01424 726155.
Provide a home for a child by fostering
Could you provide a warm and welcoming home for a child? If you think you can help a child through a difficult time in their life, we’ll support you every step of the way with 24/7 support. You don’t need qualifications, but you do need to be willing to attend regular training. We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your interests and skills.
There is no such thing as a typical foster carer, as current foster carer Sarah explains: “There are very few reasons why you can’t foster. It used to be that you had to be a certain type of person but it’s not like that now”.
Read more from our foster carers and the difference you could make.
If you think you could foster a child, why not have an informal chat with the team? Our information van visits lots of locations across East Sussex. Find out when we are in your area and drop by. Or find out more about fostering on the website.
