At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with additional needs in a flexible, caring environment.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Earn up to £687 per week, enjoy tax-free payments, and receive full training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working from home and choosing your own hours.
- Qualifications: Open to anyone over 18; no prior experience needed, just a caring attitude.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with ongoing guidance and training opportunities.
Overview
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real difference to someone’s life? A Shared Lives Carer role is flexible and can fit around other work commitments and family responsibilities, with support provided from your own home.
The care you provide could include someone living with you, spending the week or weekend with you, or meeting up once or twice a week. You would help someone to enhance living skills, develop new skills, and enjoy activities such as hobbies, cinema, concerts, the pub, holidays, or work placements or volunteering. The type of support is discussed with the team, and people from all backgrounds and skill sets are encouraged to apply.
You could support anyone over 18 with additional needs such as learning disabilities, mental health needs, dementia, or physical disabilities, all under the supervision and guidance of a Shared Lives scheme worker.
Responsibilities
- Provide flexible living support from your own home, based on agreed arrangements (weekday, weekend, or regular meetups).
- Support living skills development and participation in hobbies and activities with the person you are caring for.
- Coordinate with the Shared Lives team to determine the level and type of support required.
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment in line with scheme guidelines.
Who are we looking for?
- Anyone over the age of 18 from diverse backgrounds; carers can be working or not, from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, couples with or without children at home, single people, grandparents, or single parents.
- You can work from home, choose your own hours, and you don’t need substantial prior care experience—full training and ongoing support are provided.
- All applicants will undergo careful assessment, including DBS check, home health and safety check, and personal health checks (information kept confidential).
- During assessment, you will build a relationship with your scheme worker who will represent you at a panel for approval (typically 2–3 months).
Requirements and Benefits
- For long-term and respite support, a spare bedroom is essential.
- You are self-employed and may receive tax benefits; long-term carers benefit from 28 nights of paid respite.
- Opportunity to become a Shared Lives Plus member for legal and tax guidance and access to a community of carers, discounts, and peer support.
- Access to training courses and regular peer group meetings organized by your scheme worker.
- Be part of a service regulated by the CQC with a dedicated scheme worker for guidance and celebration of successes.
Allowance and discretionary payments
- An allowance of up to £687 per week for long-term arrangements.
- An allowance of up to £779 per week / £111 per night for respite arrangements.
- Up to £12.70 per hour for day support.
- All payments for support provided are Tax Free.
How to register or find out more
To find out more about this service and have an informal chat with one of our team, please call: 03300565697
Location: Cumberland
Or email the team at: shared.lives@cumberland.gov.uk
Website: www.cumberland.gov.uk/sharedlives
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Shared Lives Carer employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland 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 scheme inside out! Familiarise yourself with what it means to be a Shared Lives Carer and the types of support you can offer. This will help you connect better with potential matches and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Shared Lives Carers or join online forums to learn from their experiences. They can provide valuable insights and tips that could give you an edge during your assessment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the assessment process! The panel wants to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your personal story and how your background can contribute to the role. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started on your journey to becoming a Shared Lives Carer. Plus, you’ll have access to all the resources and support we offer right from the get-go.
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 know who you are and what makes you unique. Share your experiences and interests that relate to being a Shared Lives Carer.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and background align with the role. Think about your hobbies and experiences that could resonate with potential individuals you might support.
Show Your Passion: Express why you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer. Whether it’s your desire to make a difference or your love for helping others, we want to see your enthusiasm come through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to becoming a Shared Lives Carer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to become a Shared Lives Carer. Be ready to share your motivations and how your personal experiences can make a difference in someone’s life. This genuine passion will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Think about the skills and interests you have that could benefit someone needing support. Whether it’s cooking, crafting, or outdoor activities, be prepared to discuss how you can incorporate these into your role as a carer. Tailoring your answers to highlight relevant skills will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role, the training provided, and the support from the Shared Lives Team. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if this opportunity is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The interviewers want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your stories and experiences that relate to caring for others, as this will help build a connection with the panel.