Community Health Services
Community health services play a critical role in delivering care to individuals outside of traditional hospital settings, offering accessible, tailored support to meet diverse needs. These services address a wide spectrum of health and social care, focusing on improving well-being and empowering individuals to live independently. Whether assisting individuals with physical or mental health challenges, supporting those in addiction recovery, or promoting sexual health, community health services are vital to the health of the nation.
Whether you’re passionate about direct patient care, operational management, or community outreach, careers in this sector are varied and impactful. Opportunities exist for people with a wide range of skills, from hands-on support to strategic leadership.
Community health services roles are ideal for those who
Have a strong sense of compassion and empathy.
Thrive on problem-solving and creative approaches.
Value collaboration and community-focused care.
Are you curious about where your skills might fit in this essential sector? Click on the cards below to explore specific roles and find out how you can contribute to the world of Community Health Services.
Supported living
Supported living services provide tailored support to individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other challenges, enabling them to live independently in their own homes or shared accommodations. These services are designed to promote autonomy while ensuring that individuals receive the assistance they need with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and managing finances.
Supported living is a flexible, person-centred approach, offering varying levels of support based on individual needs. Professionals in this sector work closely with service users to develop and achieve personal goals, such as building life skills, accessing education or employment, and participating in their communities.
This sector is essential for empowering people to lead fulfilling lives while maintaining their dignity and independence.
Working in Supported Living is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to making a difference. Roles in this sector involve fostering positive relationships, encouraging independence, and providing practical and emotional support.
A career in Supported Living requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt to diverse needs and situations. It is a fulfilling path for those who take pride in helping others achieve their potential. Whether you’re assisting with daily tasks or supporting long-term goals, every contribution makes a meaningful impact on someone’s quality of life.
Care homes
Care homes provide round-the-clock support and accommodation for individuals who can no longer live independently due to age, illness, or disability. These facilities range from residential homes offering personal care to nursing homes staffed by medical professionals delivering specialised healthcare.
Residents are supported with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, alongside recreational activities that enhance social engagement and well-being. Many care homes also offer tailored care for specific conditions, such as dementia or end-of-life support.
Care homes are vital in creating safe, nurturing environments where individuals can maintain their dignity, enjoy meaningful connections, and access the care they need.
A career in a Care Home is ideal for those with a strong sense of empathy and a desire to provide hands-on support. Care roles involve building trusting relationships with residents, meeting their physical and emotional needs, and ensuring their comfort and happiness.
Whether you’re delivering personal care, engaging residents in activities, or supporting their families, working in a Care Home is deeply rewarding. It requires dedication, patience, and a genuine passion for enhancing lives. For those who thrive in environments where every day offers the chance to make a difference, this sector provides invaluable opportunities.
Day centres
Day centres offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals who require additional care during the day, including older adults, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness. These centres provide structured activities, therapeutic services, and opportunities for social interaction, helping attendees maintain independence and improve their well-being.
Staff at day centres focus on tailoring programmes to individual needs, offering activities such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, or memory stimulation exercises for those with dementia. Some centres also provide essential health services like physiotherapy or nutritional advice.
Day centres are vital community hubs, supporting individuals and giving families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for.
Working in a Day Centre is perfect for those who enjoy creating meaningful experiences for others. Roles in this sector involve planning and delivering activities, offering practical support, and building strong relationships with attendees.
Patience, creativity, and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success. Whether you’re engaging in group activities or providing one-on-one support, you’ll be contributing to the happiness and well-being of individuals who rely on these services. This is a fulfilling career for those passionate about fostering connection and enhancing quality of life.
Sexual health services
Sexual health services provide essential care and education to individuals of all ages, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), family planning, and reproductive health. These services aim to promote informed choices, safe practices, and overall well-being.
Professionals in this field deliver a wide range of services, including STI testing and treatment, contraception advice, and sexual health counselling. They also play a vital role in community education, raising awareness about sexual health and reducing stigma.
Sexual health services are often provided in clinics, community centres, and outreach programmes, ensuring accessible and confidential care.
A career in Sexual Health Services suits individuals who are empathetic, non-judgmental, and passionate about education and care. These roles involve delivering clinical care, providing advice, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Strong communication skills, discretion, and the ability to work with diverse groups are key attributes for success. Whether working in a clinic or community setting, this career offers the opportunity to have a significant impact on public health and individual well-being.
Mental health services
Mental health services support individuals dealing with emotional, psychological, or psychiatric challenges. These services encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, helping people manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Professionals in this sector work across various settings, including hospitals, community mental health teams, crisis intervention centres, and residential facilities. Services may include therapy, medication management, support groups, and assistance with social integration.
Mental health services aim to empower individuals to achieve stability, improve their quality of life, and reach their full potential.
Working in Mental Health Services is ideal for compassionate, patient, and resilient individuals who want to make a meaningful difference. Roles in this sector involve providing support, building trust, and helping individuals navigate their recovery journeys.
Strong listening and problem-solving skills, combined with a genuine desire to help others, are essential. This career is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to transform lives and contribute to a more understanding and supportive society.
Addiction services
Addiction services provide support to individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioural addictions. These services focus on prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery, helping individuals regain control of their lives.
Addiction professionals offer counselling, medical detoxification, group therapy, and aftercare programmes. They also work closely with families to provide education and support, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. Services are delivered in outpatient clinics, residential rehabilitation centres, and community outreach programmes.
Addiction services play a critical role in breaking the cycle of addiction and fostering lasting change.
A career in Addiction Services is ideal for those who are empathetic, non-judgmental, and dedicated to helping others. These roles involve working closely with individuals to understand their struggles, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing support.
Patience, resilience, and strong communication skills are essential for success. For those who thrive on making a profound difference, this sector offers deeply rewarding opportunities to help individuals rebuild their lives and achieve their recovery goals.
Check out the different roles below:
Management and general operations
Leadership and management roles in community health services focus on ensuring high-quality care, coordinating teams, and efficiently allocating resources. These professionals lead the operations of care homes, supported living services, or mental health units focusing on quality improvement and strategic development; manage day-to-day operations and develop and deliver specific health initiatives.
Key roles: Service managers; directors of community care; team leaders; programme coordinators.
Skills & attributes: Leadership, strategic planning, operational management, budgeting, excellent communication, and a passion for improving community outcomes.
These roles are perfect for those who enjoy driving change, managing teams, and improving access to care in local communities.
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Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Clinical roles in community health
Clinical roles in community health services involve delivering hands-on care, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs. These roles often focus on preventative care, rehabilitation, and supporting patients to live independently or recover from health challenges by providing in home care for patients; supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises; guiding individuals through treatment plans and testing, treatment and education to promote sexual well-being.
Key roles: Community nurses; mental health practitioners; addiction recovery specialists; sexual health practitioners
Skills & attributes: Clinical expertise, empathy, adaptability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in diverse environments.
These roles are ideal for individuals who are passionate about providing patient-centred care and thrive in dynamic, community-focused settings.
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Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Support and care roles
Support and care roles provide essential day-to-day assistance, helping individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. These roles are critical in settings such as supported living environments, care homes, and day centres by providing personal care and emotional support, assisting patients with rehabilitation exercises and engaging individuals in social activities.
Key roles: Care assistants; rehabilitation support workers; day centre workers; skills & attributes.
These roles are perfect for those who enjoy hands-on work and making a direct impact on people’s lives.
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Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Diagnostic and specialist roles
Diagnostic and specialist roles within community health services ensure individuals receive accurate assessments and tailored interventions. These professionals work closely with other clinicians to develop and deliver effective care plans through mobile imaging services, supporting mental health and addiction recovery, analytical thinking, and technical expertise.
Key roles: Community diagnostic radiographers; specialist nurses; counsellors and therapists
Skills & attributes: Precision, analytical thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication skills.
These roles are ideal for those who want to combine technical expertise with direct community impact.
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Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Administrative and operative roles
Administrative roles in community health services ensure the smooth operation of services, managing appointments, patient records, and logistical support. These professionals are the first point of contact for patients accessing services and handling and scheduling, records, and communication within community health teams which enable clinical and support teams to focus on care delivery.
Key roles: Service administrators; receptionists; programme coordinators.
Skills & attributes: Organisational skills, IT proficiency, attention to detail, and a customer service mindset.
These roles are ideal for those who enjoy structured environments and contributing to the seamless delivery of community care.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
In addition to the roles listed above, community health services depend on critical support functions in finance, IT, HR, and facilities management. For more information on these departments and the roles they offer, click here to explore further.
For information on local courses and qualifications that could support your career in this field, please click here.