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 and/or physical disabilities, or mental health
needs. Additionally, they may provide respite care - caring
for clients so that their carers get a break. DCOs are
employed by local authority adult services departments in Wales.
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. 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 and flexible working.
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, washing 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 & Abilities
- 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.
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.
Further Information & Services
Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare
Health and Care Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org
Social Care careers information www.socialcarecareers.co.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales www.careerswales.com
or in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.