SVQ Social Services and Healthcare 4 - SCQF Level 9

Course overview

The SVQ Social Services and Healthcare SCQF level 9 (SVQ 4) is a candidate-led program, leading to a qualification that enables candidates to register with the SSSC as a manager, provided they also hold the appropriate leadership qualification. This course supports candidates in building a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they possess the knowledge, skills, and values required to meet the industry-specified standards. Throughout this process, they will be individually supported by an experienced assessor.

Your roles and responsibilities should include:

• Be responsible for meeting regulatory requirements, evidence gathering, identification of gaps and acting to meet requirements
• Be accountable for leading the planning process for care or support plans
• Be responsible for the continuing professional development of yourself and others through staff development and performance development review systems.
• Establish your understanding and that of others regarding safeguarding and the appropriate action to take in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.
• Have overall responsibility for managing and developing workers within the service, for example, through providing or managing the provision of supervision, performance reviews

Writing a Personal Statement

In your personal statement, we ask that you be very concise. The information we require is as follows:

1. Who is your current employer?
2. What is your current job title?
3. What are your primary roles and responsibilities?

Fees and Funding

Fee: £1,600

Estimated Duration: 18 months

Edinburgh College makes every effort to support candidates throughout their qualifications. However, if candidates do not engage with the qualification and do not complete within the estimated completion period, Edinburgh College may implement a monthly fee of £150 (SVQ 2 and SVQ 3) or £218 (SVQ 4)

per candidate for ongoing assessor support. This would not apply if candidates are put on hold for personal or work-related reasons.

Funding

Various funding streams are available to cover some or all costs. These include:

• Fees paid by the employer or the student
• SAAS Part-Time Fee Grants may be available for candidates enrolled in courses at SCQF Level 7 and above, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. SAAS funding would normally part-fund a qualification. Please use this link for more information: Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS.
• Voluntary sector organisations can apply to the Voluntary Sector Development Fund. This is done independently of the College. For more information, please visit the Scottish Social Services Council's Voluntary Sector Development Fund page on Funding Scotland.
• Modern Apprenticeship funding may be available at all levels, subject to the availability of funding allocations. Please note that there are additional requirements for accessing this funding, including completing additional units and attending regular and thorough review meetings. This funding may entirely or partially cover the cost of a qualification, depending on allocations and levels.
• You may be entitled to apply for a fee waiver for this course (this option is only for individuals who are paying for the course themselves - not businesses) – Please use the link to the application form for more information on this: Edinburgh College Fee Waiver Application Form  Fee waivers can only be offered if candidates provide documentary evidence to prove eligibility for fee waiver funding.

The course contains 4 mandatory units:

• Maintain effective communication systems and practice
• Lead practice for health and safety in the work setting
• Take responsibility for the continuing professional development of yourself and others
• Lead practice that promotes the safeguarding of individuals

You will also select four optional units that relate to your current practice

Further information on the qualifications and units can be found on the SQA website.

Number of days per week

• Flexible learning, with a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week.
• Regular 1-1 meetings with your workplace assessor, at your workplace, at a college campus or online.

Entry requirements

• Currently employed in a leadership role within the health and social care sector.
• Please contact andrew.clark@edinburghcollege.ac.uk if you have any questions about entry requirements.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Candidates can progress from the Level 4 SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 9 to other appropriate awards. Candidates may transfer across to the children and young people sector by undertaking some additional units in SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People). The progression route for each candidate will depend on their job role and level of responsibility.

Career options

• Management role within the care sector.