At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide accommodation and support to adults with learning disabilities in a family environment.
- Company: Lewisham Council, dedicated to improving lives in diverse communities.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with ongoing training and professional development.
- Why this job: Transform lives while enjoying the flexibility of self-employment from your home.
- Qualifications: A caring heart, a spare bedroom, and a desire to support others.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! Do you have room in your heart and your home to make a positive difference?
If you would like a rewarding self-employed career that:
- makes a positive difference and improves lives
- offers varied and flexible hours
- allows you to work from home
- offers excellent support and training
We would like to hear from you!
What is Shared Lives? Shared Lives is a scheme which matches adults with learning disabilities, dementia or other support needs with families who can provide accommodation and support, within the carer's home. This can be long term or for short breaks.
Who can become a Shared Lives carer? All kinds of people can become approved Shared Lives carers: couples or singles, of all ages, with or without children, homeowners or tenants. What is important is a desire to support people with assessed support needs to be as independent as possible in a family environment. You ideally should live in the Borough of Lewisham, although surrounding boroughs would be considered, and you will need to have a spare bedroom in your home.
What support will you get from the Shared Lives Scheme? We provide training; careful matching of the person with you and your family; regular support from the Shared Lives officer; regular support meetings with other carers; access to other services and professionals in Lewisham; access to support from ‘Shared Lives Plus’ the national organisation.
Location: This is a home based role.
Getting paid: You would be paid a weekly fee for the accommodation and support you provide. You would be self-employed and responsible for making your own national insurance and tax payments, and you would benefit from tax concessions.
What do we need to know about you? Becoming an approved Shared Lives carer is an in-depth process which includes a detailed assessment, Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check, medical checks and references. Shared Lives is monitored by the Care Quality Commission who ensure that care is provided to a high standard.
Follow the link below to our web page on the Lewisham website for more information on how Shared Lives works and how to become a Shared Lives carer.
If you wish to apply or find out more information please email the team at sharedlives@lewisham.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can call a member of the team on 0208 314 9460 and we would be pleased to answer any questions you have.
Please be advised you cannot make an application directly through this site and must contact the team directly.
Closing Date: Wednesday 31st March 2027, 23:59pm. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Shared Lives Carer employer: Borough of Lewisham
Join us in Lewisham as a Shared Lives Carer, where your commitment can transform lives within our vibrant and diverse community. Enjoy the flexibility of self-employment with excellent training and support, while making a meaningful impact in a family environment. With opportunities for personal growth and a strong network of fellow carers, this role offers a rewarding path for those looking to make a difference from the comfort of their own home.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Borough of Lewisham, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Borough of Lewisham. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Borough of Lewisham's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Borough of Lewisham. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Borough of Lewisham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Borough of Lewisham.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Shared Lives Carer at Borough of Lewisham.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Borough of Lewisham that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Shared Lives Carer role.
