At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in your home, helping them live their best life.
- Company: Join a caring community dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous allowance, support for household costs, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Connect with other carers and share experiences in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while enjoying a fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: A spare room, time, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 28605 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you ready for a role where you can make a real difference? Then we might have just the opportunity for you. Our Shared Lives and Short Breaks service are looking for caring individuals across Ayrshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire & the Scottish Borders to become a Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carers.
The Role
Shared Lives is an essential service which provides short breaks, transitional and long-term arrangements to individuals aged from 16 who require care and support because of their disability, condition or support need. Sometimes likened to a Foster Carer, we help people who need some extra support to live in their own community, and live their life to full, without having to live alone.
Stepping into this role, you would support the individual in your own home, including the person in your family and community life. This often leads to that individual naturally becoming a long-term part of a supportive family.
You are fully supported throughout the whole process as our Shared Lives team follow a careful matching process looking in a holistic way to pair you with someone we support. This ensures the person is comfortable and is given choice about who provides their support and you feel able to fully support the person.
Once an arrangement is made, our Shared Lives team regularly visit carers to ensure they feel happy, confident and supported in their role. Joining our Shared Lives community, you will be welcomed at regular carers’ forum meetings to meet with other carers and exchange ideas, share knowledge and experience.
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, some are retired who don’t like a quiet home and others are parents with young children which 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.
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.
Please note - If you have spent more than 12 months out with the UK (excluding France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania or Spain) within the last 10 years while over the age of 18, you will be asked to provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant government/police authority as part of our checks.
Shared Lives Carer in Kilbirnie employer: Cornerstone
At Cornerstone, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where compassion and community impact are at the heart of what we do. Our part-time Compassionate Care Assistants in Peterhead benefit from flexible working hours, comprehensive paid training, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Join our dedicated team and experience the rewarding nature of helping individuals lead fulfilling lives in their own homes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer in Kilbirnie
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer in Kilbirnie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Cornerstone, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Cornerstone, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Cornerstone understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Cornerstone from the get-go!
