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- Tasks: Support individuals in your home, helping them live their best life.
- Company: Join Cornerstone, a caring community dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous allowance, training opportunities, and a supportive network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while being part of a loving family environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a spare room and a caring heart.
- Other info: Flexible hours and the chance to enhance your skills through training.
Are you ready for a job with a difference? Have you heard of Shared Lives? We are currently recruiting for caring individuals across Glasgow to become Shared Lives and Short Breaks (respite) Carers.
What is a Shared Lives Carer? It is sometimes likened to fostering, but for adults. Shared Lives is an essential service which provides short breaks, transitional and long-term placements to individuals aged from 16 who require care and support because of their disability, condition or support need. We help people who need a little bit of extra support to live in their own community, and live their life to full, without having to live alone.
As a Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carer, you would support the individual in your own home and include the person in your family and community life which, in many cases, leads to that individual naturally becoming a long-term part of a supportive family.
Our Shared Lives team follows a careful matching process looking in a holistic way at our carer’s strengths, knowledge and personalities, matching these to the needs of the person we support. This ensures the person is comfortable and is given choice about who provides their support and that the carer feels able to fully support the person who will be staying with them in their home.
Once a placement is made, our Shared Lives team regularly visit carers to ensure they feel happy, confident and supported in their role. Additionally, as part of the Shared Lives community, all carers are welcome at regular carers’ forum meetings to meet with other carers and exchange ideas, share knowledge and experience.
All Shared Lives Carers go through several mandatory checks as part of the assessment process, which includes an application form, home visits and an interview with our assessment panel. All Carers would also be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme through Disclosure Scotland.
Who can become a Shared Lives Carer? If you have a spare room, the time and a passion for making a difference, then Shared Lives is for you. Shared Lives Carers come from all walks of life – some have worked as professional care workers, whilst others have cared for people in their own family. Some of our carers are retired and find their house is too quiet after grown up children leave home. Others are parents with young children for whom Shared Lives means they can be at home with their children instead of going out to work.
The one thing they have in common is that they are all enthusiastic about welcoming someone into their home and family life. We are looking for people who have patience, empathy, a sense of humour and the ability to help individuals meet the challenges presented by everyday life.
Our Shared Lives Carers are self-employed and receive a generous allowance with additional help towards household costs and have plenty of opportunities to enhance their professional development through Cornerstone’s award-winning Training Academy. But, more than that, as a Shared Lives Carer, you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of others.
Interested in finding out more about Shared Lives and becoming a Shared Lives Carer? Then don't delay and contact our friendly team by emailing sharedlives@cornerstone.org.uk or give Marissa Speed a call on 01294 311 723.
Shared Lives Carer employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Shared Lives model and its values. Understanding how it differs from traditional care roles will help you articulate your passion for this unique approach during conversations with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Shared Lives Carers or attend local community events related to care. This will give you insights into their experiences and help you build connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your personal qualities and experiences that align with the role. Highlighting your patience, empathy, and sense of humour in informal chats can make a lasting impression on our recruitment team.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with our online community or forums if available. This will not only keep you informed about the role but also demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for becoming part of the Shared Lives family.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to fully understand what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the impact you can have on someone's life.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous caring roles or personal experiences that demonstrate your empathy, patience, and ability to support others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Share personal anecdotes that showcase your caring nature and why you want to be a Shared Lives Carer.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by thinking about how you would handle various scenarios as a carer. Be ready to discuss your strengths and how they align with the needs of the individuals you will support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Show Your Caring Nature
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your genuine passion for caring for others. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and patience, as these qualities are essential for a Shared Lives Carer.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, the matching process, and how you can support individuals in your home. This knowledge will show your commitment and preparedness.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interview panel. This could include inquiries about the training provided, the support system in place for carers, or how placements are matched. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Being adaptable is key in this role. Discuss any previous experiences where you've had to adjust to new situations or support different individuals. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the diverse needs of those you will be caring for.
