At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate Shared Lives arrangements and support carers in making a real difference.
- Company: Avalon, a values-led charity focused on community and relationships.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, health cash plan, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values learning and reflection.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic and meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Award winning in-house training with opportunities to develop your career.
Up to 30 days Annual Leave in addition to Bank Holidays.
24/7 Everyday Advice helpline, giving you impartial guidance regarding any personal matters or concerns you may have.
Discounts at high street retailers and on gym memberships.
Access to our Health Cash Plan.
Contractual Sick Pay Allowance.
£250 refer a friend scheme.
Paid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Certificate (which you need to be able to work in social care).
Do you believe great support starts with relationships? At Avalon, we help people live their best lives — in real homes, as part of real communities. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and people-focused Shared Lives Coordinator to help make that happen across York and Doncaster.
This is a hands-on, varied role where no two days are the same. You’ll be right at the heart of our Shared Lives service — supporting carers, working alongside people and families, and collaborating with professionals to make sure Shared Lives arrangements are safe, stable and truly person-centred.
What you’ll be doing:
- Coordinating Shared Lives arrangements from matching through to long-term stability.
- Being a trusted point of contact for Shared Lives Carers — offering guidance, support and reassurance.
- Spending time with people supported, listening to what matters to them and shaping support around their lives.
- Working closely with social workers and commissioners to deliver positive outcomes.
- Keeping quality, safeguarding and good practice at the centre of everything you do.
Who we’re looking for:
- Someone who brings energy, empathy and organisation in equal measure.
- Experience in health or social care, with a strong person-centred mindset.
- Confident building relationships and having thoughtful, sometimes complex conversations.
- Calm under pressure, reflective in practice and great at problem-solving.
- Passionate about community-based support and the Shared Lives model.
Why Avalon?
- A genuinely values-led charity where people come first.
- A supportive team that believes in learning, reflection and doing things well.
- A role with real autonomy, variety and purpose.
- The chance to make a visible difference in people’s everyday lives.
If you’re motivated by people, relationships and possibility — and you want a role that’s meaningful, dynamic and deeply human — we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date 12 January 2026 at 12 noon.
Appointment will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificate.
We’re an equal opportunity employer – that means that anyone with the right skills is encouraged to apply, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or any disabilities.
Shared Lives Coordinator (Doncaster & York) employer: Avalon Group
Avalon Group is an exceptional employer in Teesside, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a focus on person-centred care, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, competitive salaries, and various discounts, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Coordinator (Doncaster & York)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Avalon Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Avalon Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Avalon Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Avalon Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Coordinator (Doncaster & York)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Avalon Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Avalon Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avalon Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
