1.
certified care worker; a nationally licensed professional who provides physical and daily-life assistance to the elderly and disabled
A nationally certified professional in Japan who provides hands-on physical care and daily living assistance to elderly and disabled individuals. The qualification is established by law and requires passing a national exam.
介護福祉士の資格を取った。
I obtained the certified care worker qualification.
介護福祉士は高齢者の生活を支援する。
Certified care workers support the daily lives of the elderly.
高齢化社会の中で介護福祉士の需要が高まっている。
In an aging society, the demand for certified care workers is growing.
Composed of 介護 (nursing care), 福祉 (welfare), and 士 (professional, specialist). This is a national qualification in Japan established by the 社会福祉士及び介護福祉士法 (Social Worker and Care Worker Act). Holders provide hands-on care including bathing, eating, and mobility assistance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 介護福祉士の資格: certified care worker qualification
- 介護福祉士試験: care worker certification exam
- 介護福祉士として働く: to work as a certified care worker
CULTURAL NOTE:
With Japan's rapidly aging population, 介護福祉士 is one of the most in-demand professional qualifications. Japan has also begun accepting foreign care workers under special visa programs to address labor shortages in this field.
RELATED TERMS:
- 社会福祉士: certified social worker — focuses on counseling and coordination rather than physical care
- 介護士: care worker — informal term, not necessarily nationally certified
- ケアマネージャー: care manager — coordinates care plans