Introduction
There is an increasing acceptance that we have a responsibility
for people who are unable to cope with ordinary life because of
physical or sensory disability. It is accepted that everyone, no
matter what their disadvantage, has the right to a quality life in
the community. It applies to the aged, the infirm, anyone with
mobility problems, those with learning difficulties and those who
have problems with their sight or their hearing. In addition,
other categories of persons such as asylum seekers, political
refugees who find it difficult to adapt to life in Britain are
entitled to help from social services. Service
managers/co-ordinators are responsible for administering support
systems that meet the needs of all kinds of disadvantaged
people.
Work Environment
This is largely office-based, with some local, regional and
national travel required to attend meetings and conferences. The
standard working week is 37 hours including some anti-social
shifts. A good deal of time is spent on the computer.
Daily Activities
The aim of the job is to ensure that appropriate and timely social
work services are provided for everybody with physical and sensory
disabilities. The role of the service manager is to make sure that
this happens in collaboration with social workers, health
professionals, other service managers, voluntary and independent
organisations such as Age Concern, the Refugee Council and others.
On a day-to-day basis the disability co-ordinator will:
- supervise service team managers;
- plan strategic direction to the service and compile policy
documents;
- ensure that an assessment and care management service is
properly in place;
- prepare and monitor budgets;
- write reports;
- prepare contracts;
- chair meetings;
- monitor progress of service provision.
In developing the service, the manager will take responsibility
for particular large issues like:
- health action and welfare schemes for refugees, for example
housing and benefits help for Kosovan refugees;
- employment and training projects for disabled people.
Co-ordinators work in teams - they are members of both the
Disabilities Management Team and the Services Management Team - and
on their own initiative. It is a challenging but rewarding job.
Skills & Interests
To be good at this job you would need to have:
- a caring nature;
- project management ability;
- a head for figures;
- confidence;
- an ability to get on with people from different
backgrounds;
- good written and oral communication skills;
- an ability to analyse complex material.
Entry Requirements
It is essential to have a social work qualification or similar
such as a diploma or degree in social work and possibly a
management qualification. Several years experience as a social
worker and team management is necessary too.
On-the-job training is provided as part of continuing professional
development.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
This is a fairly narrow field with few avenues for promotion.
However, with further training and management qualifications it is
possible to move up the ladder to Head of Adult Services, Assistant
Director and Director of Social Services. There are
opportunities for sideways moves into special project work which
would give the sort of experience needed for promotion.
Outside local government there are opportunities in the voluntary
sector.
Further Information & Services
Age Cymru www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru
Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk
Community Care www.communitycare.co.uk
Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare
Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk
Disability Rights UK http://disabilityrightsuk.org/
Health & Care Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org
Homes & Communities Agency www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
Skills for Care www.skillsforcare.org.uk
Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk
UK Disabled People's Council www.ukdpc.net/site
Welsh Refugee Council http://welshrefugeecouncil.org.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.