Job Roles within Health and Social Care Settings

Healthcare Professionals

Doctors: Take a leading role in treatment plans, make diagnoses based on symptoms, and coordinate the care of patients. Specialised doctors like surgeons or paediatricians offer sector-specific care.
Nurses: Offer hands-on care, administer medication, support doctors, and communicate with patients and their families. Specialised nurses, such as paediatric, oncology, and mental health nurses, offer sector-specific care.
Physiotherapists: Work with patients to improve their movement and mobility, often after operations, injury, or illness.
Occupational Therapists: Help patients improve their ability to carry out daily tasks, often after illness or injury, to help them regain independence.

Social Workers: Support individuals and families to help them deal with issues in their lives, often relating to wellbeing or safeguarding.
Care Workers: Often work in residential or nursing homes. They help individuals with their day-to-day needs, such as eating, washing, and taking medication.
Counsellors and Therapists: Use talking therapies to help people deal with emotional distress or mental health issues.

Healthcare Assistants: Work under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals to help patients with their basic needs.
Administrative Staff: Perform critical support functions like scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and working in reception.
Hospital Porters: Help to move patients and equipment around hospitals, ensuring the smooth running of services.

Paramedics: Respond to emergency calls, provide immediate care and, if required, transport patients to hospitals.
Pharmacists: Dispense prescription medication to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
Podiatrists: Specialise in diagnosing and treating foot-related issues.
Health Visitors: Work with families in their homes to provide support and education on topics like infant care and family health.