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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to individuals in your home, helping them live independently.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous allowance, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
- Qualifications: Have a spare room, time, and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Connect with a community of like-minded carers and share experiences.
Are you ready for a role where you can make a real difference? Our Shared Lives and Short Breaks service are looking for caring individuals across the Scottish Borders to become a Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carer.
The Role
Shared Lives is an essential service which provides short breaks, transitional and long‑term arrangements to individuals aged 16 and older 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 the fullest, without having to live alone. Stepping into this role, you would support the individual in your own home, including their 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 follows 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 visits carers to ensure they feel happy, confident and supported in their role. Joining our Shared Lives community, you will be welcomed to 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.
Responsibilities
- Provide short breaks, transitional and long‑term support to individuals aged 16+ in your home.
- Support the individual’s family and community life and help them live independently.
- Participate in regular visits from the Shared Lives team to review the arrangement.
- Attend carers’ forum meetings to share ideas, knowledge and experience.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Have a spare room, time and passion for making a difference.
- Be enthusiastic, patient, empathic, humorous and able to help with everyday challenges.
- Be willing to undergo the mandatory checks (application, home visit, interview, PVG Scheme through Disclosure Scotland).
- Self‑employed and receive a generous allowance with additional help towards household costs.
- Opportunities for professional development via Cornerstone’s award‑winning Training Academy.
- Be able to provide a criminal record certificate if you have spent more than 12 months out of the UK (excluding France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania or Spain) within the last 10 years over the age of 18.
How to Apply
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 them a call on 01294 311723. 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 employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone 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 what they do and how they support individuals. This will help you connect better during interviews and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Shared Lives Carers or join forums to chat about their experiences. This not only gives you insights but also shows your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking of real-life examples that showcase your patience, empathy, and sense of humour. These qualities are key in this role, so be ready to share how you've demonstrated them in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Shared Lives community.
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 experiences and what makes you passionate about becoming a Shared Lives Carer.
Highlight Your Skills: Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your patience, empathy, and sense of humour. These qualities are essential for the role, so give us examples of how you've used them in your life!
Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Ensure you complete all sections and provide any necessary documents. This shows us that you’re detail-oriented and serious about the opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest information about the role. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the qualities they’re looking for, like patience, empathy, and a sense of humour. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you fit the bill.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Think of specific examples from your life that demonstrate your caring nature and ability to support others. Whether it’s a time you helped a friend through a tough situation or volunteered in your community, these stories can really highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the Shared Lives programme and their expectations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best support the individuals you’ll be caring for.
✨Be Yourself
During the interview, let your personality shine through! They’re looking for someone who can connect with individuals on a personal level, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and warmth. Remember, they want to see the real you!
