At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults in a warm, family-style environment and help them build independence.
- Company: Croydon Shared Lives Service, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Earn from £368.30 per week, enjoy flexible hours, and receive full training.
- Other info: Join a supportive network of carers and create meaningful connections.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on individuals' lives while enjoying personal satisfaction.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just enthusiasm and a caring nature.
The predicted salary is between 19100 - 19100 £ per year.
Share Your Home, Make a Difference – Become a Shared Lives Carer
Location: Croydon
Payment: From £368.30 per week, or more depending on assessed needs
Type: Self-employed | Flexible hours | Full training provided
Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference? The Croydon Shared Lives Service is seeking caring, committed individuals to become Shared Lives Carers. You’ll support vulnerable adults (18+) with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or physical disabilities by welcoming them into your home (Family Model) or a supported living home (where you live offsite) — either for short breaks or long-term stays.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide care and support in a warm, family-style environment
- Help individuals build independence and learn life skills
- Offer companionship and a sense of belonging
What You’ll Receive:
- Regular payments starting from £368.30 per week or more depending on assessed needs
- Full training and ongoing support from allocated Shared Lives Coordinator
- Flexible working as a self-employed carer
- The personal satisfaction of making a lasting impact
Who Can Apply:
- Anyone living in Croydon with one or more spare bedrooms
- No formal qualifications needed – just enthusiasm, commitment, and a caring nature
- We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life
Join a growing network of Shared Lives Carers making a lasting impact. Some placements last over 25/30 years — that’s how powerful this connection can be.
Interested?
- Email: sharedlivesteam@croydon.gov.uk
- Call: 020 8726 6000 Ext 44109
- Learn more: croydon.gov.uk/shared-lives
- Apply online: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/adult-health-and-social-care/care-homes-and-housing/shared-lives/become-shared-lives
Only accepted applications that will be accepted are from applications via the above link.
Croydon Shared Lives Scheme - Shared Lives Carer in London employer: Croydon
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a focus on delivering vital services to a diverse community, the council offers fantastic benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Working in Croydon not only allows you to be part of a transformative journey in public service but also provides a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant and populous borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Croydon Shared Lives Scheme - Shared Lives Carer in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Croydon.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Croydon!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Croydon, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Croydon or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Croydon Shared Lives Scheme - Shared Lives Carer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Croydon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
