Introduction

Day Care Officers (DCOs) provide a range of help in day centres for older people.  They also provide support for those living with learning disabilities, physical or mental health needs.  Additionally, they may provide respite care – taking clients so that their carers get a break.

DCOs are employed by local authority adult services departments in England and Wales and by social work departments in Scotland. Their role is to help people maintain their independence and lead as full a life as possible. Many clients live on their own and only get the chance to meet with others at the centre, so social activities play a large part in the care programmes.

Work Environment

DCOs work in day centres, some of which are open 7 days a week, others 5 days a week. Day centres can range from small ones catering for a specific client group to larger and multi-purpose ones catering for a wider age range and disabilities or learning difficulties. In some authorities they all have the same function.

DCOs work as part of a team, supervising care assistants and reporting to a manager. Hours vary as some DCOs work sessional days – only mornings or only afternoons; others might work from 9am to 5pm every day (37 hours) or just part of the week. Depending on the centre, some weekend work might be required. Some councils offer jobshares.

Protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, tabards and in some cases personal safety alarms are provided.

Daily Activities

The smooth running of the day centre is the responsibility of the DCO. They liaise with the drivers who transport the clients to and from the centre and the catering staff who supply the lunches and other refreshments. They also supervise and organise the workload of care assistants. They might participate in the preparation and delivery of activities and in the personal care of clients where and when appropriate.

Personal care of clients includes toileting, bathing, the washing of clothes and in some cases help with eating.

The programme of social activities might include movement/physical therapy such as table and ball games, and mental stimulation such as quizzes, crosswords and other word/number games. Other activities might include art and craft or dealing on a one to one basis with clients. Some centres arrange for clients to have outings to the theatre or places of interest.

The DCO often plays a leading role in the design of individual care programmes for clients, working closely with the manager and carer and liaising with occupational therapists or social workers.

Paperwork plays a large part in a DCO’s working day. There are many different forms to fill in and reports to write to monitor and review client process. A DCO will also meet regularly with the manager and care assistants to assess clients.

Skills & Interests

• Patience and tact are vital – particularly when dealing with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other mental health problems.
• It also helps to have imagination and creativity – to ensure the activity programmes are stimulating and meet clients’ needs.
• Anyone who can provide support in a sensitive manner to both staff and clients, but who also has organisational skills, will do well in this job.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific minimum entry requirements. Personal qualities are usually considered more important than qualifications.

Previous experience of working with people in a social care/support setting can be very useful. Some councils might offer the opportunity to work towards NVQ/SVQ in Direct Care modules.

Estimated salary range

£13,000 – £17,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

More senior posts such as Senior DCO or Assistant Care Manager are likely to require social work or care qualifications as well as experience.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

General Social Care Council www.gscc.org.uk

Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk

Northern Ireland Social Care Council www.niscc.info

Scottish Social Services Council
www.sssc.uk.com

Social Care careers information www.socialcarecareers.co.uk

Training Organisation for Personal Social Services www.topssengland.net

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Day Care Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com – the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.