Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care - Level 2

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of vulnerable adults in our society? This free online course is designed specifically for individuals seeking to prepare themselves for a rewarding career in adult social care. With an estimated 818,000 adults receiving publicly funded long-term social care and 224,000 episodes of short-term care in 2021/22 (according to the King's Fund), the need for skilled professionals in this field is evident. This free and fully online course, consisting of 9 units, will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in adult social care. Throughout the course, you will delve into crucial topics such as maintaining health and safety standards, effective communication strategies, respecting consent, and handling critical situations with confidence. By successfully completing this program, you will attain a Level 2 qualification in adult social care, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to ensuring that vulnerable adults receive the care they deserve.

What will I study on this course?

• Unit 1: Principles of communication in adult social care settings

Look at the importance of communication in adult social care settings, as well as confidentiality in these settings. Learn how to reduce barriers to communication and how to meet the communication needs, wishes and preferences of individuals being cared for.

• Unit 2: Principles of personal development in adult social care settings

Explore the requirements for good practice in adult social care roles and will look at how a personal development plan can contribute positively to an individuals learning and development. This unit also covers the learning activities that can be used to develop an individuals knowledge and skills.

• Unit 3: Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in adult social care settings

This unit enables an understanding of the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion in an adult social care setting. Learn how to work in an inclusive way and how to access information, advice and support about the key aspects of diversity, inclusion and discrimination.

• Unit 4: Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care

Learn how to identify signs of abuse, respond to suspected or alleged abuse, reduce the likelihood of abuse, and recognise and report unsafe practices. This unit will also cover the national and local context of safeguarding and protection from abuse.

• Unit 5: Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children's and young peoples settings

Look at the implications of duty of care, and the support that is available for addressing dilemmas that may arise in relation to duty of care. Learn how to respond to complaints and how to work in line with agreed procedures for handling complaints.

• Unit 6: Understand the role of the social care worker

This unit explores the different types of working relationships in social care settings and how important it is to work in partnership with others. This unit also covers the importance of working in ways that are agreed with the employer to ensure you are following workplace policy and procedures.

• Unit 7: Understand person-centred approaches in adult social care settings

Look at different person-centred approaches for care and support in adult social care settings, how to implement person-centred approaches, the importance of consent when providing care or support for an individual and how to support individuals to make the right choices. Learn how to encourage active participation and how to promote an individuals well-being.

• Unit 8: Understand health and safety in social care settings

This unit explores the key aspects of health and safety in social care settings and covers the different roles and responsibilities for health and safety. Learn about risk assessments, the procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness, methods for reducing the spread of infection, techniques for moving and handling equipment and the principles of moving an individual safely. Look at hazardous substances, environmental safety procedures, stress management, the safe handling of medication and how to handle and store food safely in an adult social care setting.

• Unit 9: Understand how to handle information in social care settings

Look at the need for secure handling of information in social care settings and the different ways of accessing support for handling information in social care settings.

You will be asked a series of eligibility questions upon enrolment.

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care