Shared Lives Carer

The Role

About Shared Lives

Shared Lives is sometimes described as being similar to providing ‘foster care for adults with additional/complex needs’, but it is so much more than that as we enable people to take control of their lives and make informed choices to maximise independence. There are approximately 9,500 adults being supported by around 10,000 Carers in Shared Lives households across England. Shared Lives is beneficial for everyone. As well as consistently achieving greater outcomes for adults with additional needs, Shared Lives also has the lowest number of safeguarding enquiries in comparison to all other forms of Adult Social Care.

We support anybody from the age of 18 and will undertake preparatory work with young adults who are making the transition from Children’s Services. Whilst Shared Lives is traditionally a service for people with learning disabilities, we have experience of setting up Arrangements for people with mental ill health, early-onset dementia, hospital discharges, older people, physical disabilities, people on the Autistic Spectrum and other complex support needs.

Further information about our Shared Lives service can be found by clicking here.

Purpose

Do you have a room in your home and room in your heart? Could you share your home with someone who needs your support?

Shared Lives Carers open up their home and support adults with additional/complex needs on either a Live-In, Short-Break or Day Support basis. The Carer encourages the person to not only become part of the family and provide a sense of belonging, but also to create a life of new opportunities. The aim is to always support the person to develop the practical, social and emotional skills to make their own choices in life and be as independent as possible, whilst remaining at the heart of the community.

If the following appeals, we’d love to hear from you:

• You will support the person to develop practical, social and emotional skills to make their own choices and be independent.
• If you are looking for a change of direction or already working in care and passionate about flexible support, this could be for you.
• You want to become a meaningful part of someone’s life.
• You have a passion for helping others live a fulfilling life.
• You would like to take part in wider social events and connect to a wealth of support.

About You

• Shared Lives Carers are passionate, creative, and don’t make assumptions based on labels.
• No qualifications or experience required; just the right values, dedication, and a spare room.
• Key qualities: patience, flexibility, creativity, understanding, open-mindedness.
• Good communication skills important.
• Must have a clean, safe, welcoming spare room (landlord permission required if renting).
• Over 18, able to read and write English, and committed to training.

The Charity

Established in 1954, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health challenges. Our focus on humanity and nature remains key to our ethos. We operate in both rural and urban communities, building on our care farming legacy.

The Benefits

• Life cover for all employees.
• Employee introduction bonus of £150.
• Employee assistance programme with 24/7 helpline.
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Free parking at most communities.
• Pension scheme with contributions.

Payment

As a Shared Lives Carer, you can be paid £700+ per week or pro-rata depending on support level. Self-employed status with tax relief. See GOV.UK for details.

Application

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an equal opportunity employer. The successful applicant will require a DBS check. Apply via the form above or sign in with Google/LinkedIn. Contact: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] or call [contact hidden].