At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults to live independently and share daily life experiences.
- Company: Bristol Shared Lives, a community-focused service by Bristol City Council.
- Benefits: Earn between £600-£900 per week, plus tax relief and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying flexible hours.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a caring attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Diverse applicants welcome; great for those seeking meaningful work from home.
Job description
This is not a Bristol City Council post but Bristol Shared Lives is a Bristol City Council run service.
Self-employed Shared Lives Carers.
Could you share your home and life with someone to support them to live as independently as possible and do the things that matter to them?
Location – Work From Home (within the city boundary) and accessing the community.
Types of support – Long-term placement, Respite/Short Breaks, possible day support.
Requirements:
Living in Bristol City boundary.
If offering long-term or Short Breaks, you will need a spare bedroom(s). There is no requirement for a spare bedroom if offering day support.
Willingness to provide care, support and supervision to a vulnerable adult and to share interests, activities and daily life with the person you support.
Care experience (paid or unpaid) preferable but most importantly a willingness to participate in the assessment and approval process to become a carer. This includes skills and knowledge in supporting and empower a vulnerable adult to be able to live safely and participate as fully as possible in everyday life.
Willingness to participate in relevant training for the role.
Fees
Care & Support payment from Adult Social Care (for long-term and respite, hourly rate for day support).
Rent and contribution to food and utilities from person living with you (for long-term placements).
Total Placement fees paid to carers are between approx. £600 and £900 per week for long-term placements; £78 – £121 per 24 hours for Short Breaks; £16 per hour for Day Support.
Other Benefits
Tax relief on placement fees as a self-employed carer working from home.
28 nights paid respite (long-term placements).
Ongoing Training – in-person and e-learning (support provided with access).
Support – from Shared Lives Team – office hours and regular Home Visits for Support & Monitoring.
Annual Membership of Shared Lives Plus – including Public Liability Insurance, carer support and advice service, contact with a national network of Shared Lives Carers.
Flexible hours – requirement for overnight support and variable support times during daytime and weekends depending on needs of person and other services or activities they use.
Short break carers can commit to either flexible availability (one night, weekends or up to 14 nights at a time) on a regular pattern or on a more ad hoc basis depending on your lifestyle and other commitments.
Day support carers can offer support for a few hours a week over one or more sessions dependent on the carer\’s availability and the supported person\’s needs.
We value having carers as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote applications from people from all sections of the community.
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is for adults who need some additional support to be safe and who would benefit from living in a home environment, or spending short breaks, or receiving day support in a carer\’s home. People will have had a Care Act Assessment and be identified as eligible for care and support. Carers can be a single person, a couple, or a part of a family, including having dependent children. The application and assessment process will ensure the carer has the skills, knowledge, and ability to meet a person\’s needs and the matching process for any arrangement will ensure both parties are compatible alongside any other commitments the carer may have.
Long-term and short break carers provide a room in their home, and the person will live alongside the carer and any other household members sharing mealtimes, activities, and interests. The amount of care and support offered varies depending on the needs of the person and where possible the aim is for the carer to support them to be as independent as they are able to be.
A long-term carer will not be responsible for providing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People living in a Shared Lives placement will participate in activities away form home during the day for several days a week, this could include employment, voluntary work, day services or other support to access activities in the community.
Carers and supported people wanting to live in a Shared Lives placement are carefully matched to ensure the arrangement works for both parties. This includes how much support a person needs and how much time their carer needs to be available to provide support. There is always a requirement for overnight supervision from a carer but not an expectation to be providing any regular care during the night.
For more information about becoming a Shared Lives Carer please click on the following links: www.bristol.gov.uk/sharedlives and/or contact Shared Lives: sharedlives@bristol.gov.uk or 0117 352 5488.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will require an Enhanced DBS check before approval can be confirmed.
Confidentiality: Carers are expected to maintain the required level of confidentiality at all times in relation to their role.
Shared Lives Carer employer: BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Shared Lives service inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values and mission. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Shared Lives Carers or join local community groups. They can provide insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your assessment by reflecting on your experiences. Think about times you've supported others, even if it wasn't in a formal setting. This will help you articulate your skills and willingness to care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are ready to make a positive impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your interests and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you haven’t worked in care before, think about any relevant experiences you have. Whether it’s volunteering, caring for family members, or simply being a supportive friend, we want to see how you can bring those skills to the table.
Show Your Commitment: Make sure to express your willingness to participate in training and the assessment process. We’re looking for carers who are dedicated to learning and growing in their role, so let us know how you plan to engage with this aspect of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as providing care and support to vulnerable adults, and think about how your experiences align with these duties.
✨Share Your Story
During the interview, be ready to share personal anecdotes that highlight your caring nature. Whether it's through paid or unpaid experience, showing your willingness to support others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the role and the support provided by the Shared Lives Team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the service.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to different situations and needs. Since the role requires flexible hours and varying levels of support, showcasing your willingness to accommodate these aspects will make you a strong candidate.