At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in your home, helping them live their best lives.
- Company: Join Cornerstone, a caring community dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous allowances, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while being part of a supportive family environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed, just a spare room and a caring heart.
- Other info: Connect with a community of like-minded carers and share experiences.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you ready for a job with a difference? Have you heard of Shared Lives? We are currently recruiting for caring individuals across Glasgow to become Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carers.
What is a Shared Lives Carer? It is sometimes likened to fostering, but for adults. Shared Lives is an essential service which provides short breaks, transitional and long-term placements to individuals aged from 16 who require care and support because of their disability, condition or support need. We help people who need a little bit of extra support to live in their own community, and live their life to full, without having to live alone.
As a Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carer, you would support the individual in your own home and include the person in your family and community life which, in many cases, leads to that individual naturally becoming a long-term part of a supportive family.
Our Shared Lives team follows a careful matching process looking in a holistic way at our carer’s strengths, knowledge and personalities, matching these to the needs of the person we support. This ensures the person is comfortable and is given choice about who provides their support and that the carer feels able to fully support the person who will be staying with them in their home.
Once a placement is made, our Shared Lives team regularly visit carers to ensure they feel happy, confident and supported in their role. Additionally, as part of the Shared Lives community, all carers are welcome at regular carers’ forum meetings to meet with other carers and exchange ideas, share knowledge and experience.
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.
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, whilst others have cared for people in their own family. Some of our carers are retired and find their house is too quiet after grown up children leave home. Others are parents with young children for whom Shared Lives 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.
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 Marissa Speed a call on 01294 311723.
Shared Lives Carer (Primary) employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer (Primary)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Shared Lives model and its values. Understanding how it differs from traditional care roles will help you articulate your passion for this unique approach during conversations with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Shared Lives Carers or attend local community events related to care. This will give you insights into their experiences and help you build connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your personal qualities and experiences that align with the role. Highlighting your patience, empathy, and sense of humour in informal chats can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with our Shared Lives team through social media or community forums. Asking questions and showing genuine interest can demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for becoming a part of our caring community.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer (Primary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Read through the job description carefully and reflect on how your experiences align with the responsibilities outlined.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in care or support roles. Emphasise skills such as empathy, patience, and any previous caregiving experience that showcases your ability to support individuals with disabilities or special needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your caring nature and explain why you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer specifically.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by thinking about potential questions related to your caregiving philosophy and how you would handle various scenarios. Be ready to discuss your strengths and how they align with the needs of the individuals you will be supporting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in someone's life, as this role is all about empathy and support.
✨Understand the Shared Lives Concept
Familiarise yourself with the Shared Lives model before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you can create a welcoming environment in your home and how you would integrate the individual into your family and community life.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Whether it's professional care work or personal caregiving, be ready to talk about any relevant experience you have. This could include caring for family members or volunteering, as it demonstrates your ability to provide support and understanding.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interview panel. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand more about the matching process and ongoing support from the Shared Lives team.