PDA Health and Social Care Supervision SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Health and Social Care Supervision at SCQF level 7 was created to meet the requirements of social service workers who are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support or practitioner level, and who are now in a supervisory role requiring additional qualifications.

This qualification is designed for employees who are in their first-line-management role and who provide supervision, support and guidance to other staff. Examples of possible job titles include senior care workers, senior support workers and senior day-care workers in services for older people, mental health, home care and housing support.

The PDA in Health and Social Care Supervision at SCQF level 7 enables learners to achieve SCQF level 7 competences in their ability to:

  • demonstrate effective supervision through behaviour, communication and decision making within the role of supervisor
  • understand and apply the key principles of supervision
  • promote and monitor compliance in relation to policies, procedures and best practice relevant to the assessment of risk, safe working practices and safeguarding
  • understand and develop methods and skills used to supervise staff to assess and manage risks to health and wellbeing

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

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It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The PDA in Health and Social Care Supervision is designed to give learners the knowledge, understanding and practical experience necessary to provide support in learning and workplace settings.

This qualification has been developed at SCQF level 7 in order to take into account the critical evaluative, analytical and reflective abilities needed to develop professionally in social services

The PDA in Health and Social Care is designed for those who are involved in supervising others in social services and related settings. It will enable learners to widen their knowledge of specific areas of health and social care supervision.

Access

This award is intended for workers who are required to register with the SSSC.

For registration purposes, the SSSC currently defines the role of supervisor in care home services for adults as '... workers who have responsibilities for supervising staff and for overseeing and monitoring the implementation of care plans.' The role of supervisor in housing support services is defined as '… workers who have responsibility for the supervision of other workers.'

For registration, the SSSC requires supervisors to achieve:

  • a relevant care-related qualification at SVQ level 3 or equivalent, and
  • a supervisory or management qualification with a minimum of 15 credits at SCQF level 7 or above

The PDA in Health and Social Care Supervision at SCQF level 7 is for learners who require a qualification of 15 credits at SCQF level 7 or above in order to meet these SSSC requirements.

As with all Qualifications Scotland qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Successful completion of this PDA may lead to opportunities for employment in a more senior role. Learners may also be able to gain access to a range of other related health and social services qualifications.

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet Qualifications Scotland’s general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

The unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment will allow learners to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

Assessment and e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Qualification content and delivery tools

Current

The PDA in Health and Social Care Supervision at SCQF level 7 consists of 1 mandatory unit and no optional units.

Lapsing

Health and Social Care Supervision (G9AM 47)

This group award has been replaced.

It entered its lapsing period on: 31/07/2024

It finishes on: 31/07/2027

Group Award code: G9AM 47 (16 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 7

Mandatory Units

Health and Social Care: Supervise People — F6CX 34
Health and Social Care: Supervise the Protection of People — F6CW 34