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- Tasks: Support adults with social care needs in a home-based environment.
- Company: Leicestershire Shared Lives Service, offering a unique approach to adult social care.
- Benefits: Generous allowance, tax relief, training, and up to 42 nights’ paid time off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while being your own boss.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; caring experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours, work from home, and a supportive community.
PLEASE NOTE: LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL IS NOT THE EMPLOYER FOR THIS JOB. YOU WILL BE SELF-EMPLOYED. WE WILL SEND YOU REFERRALS OF CLIENTS WHICH YOU CAN CHOOSE TO ACCEPT OR DECLINE AS YOU WISH.
Contract Type: Self-employed - we will send you referrals of clients which you can choose to accept or decline as you wish
Hours: Depends on the placements undertaken (you can support up to 3 people at any one time)
Rate: An allowance will be paid for each placement undertaken (e.g., the allowance for 3 long term placements can be up to ÂŁ1,647 per week)
Location: Home based (you must live in Leicestershire, not Leicester city)
Are you looking for a rewarding career in adult social care where you can make a direct difference to people’s lives? Have you considered becoming your own boss, working the hours you want, from home, whilst making a difference to the lives of others? If so, we want to hear from you!
What is a Shared Lives Carer?
Leicestershire Shared Lives Service is different to anything else offered in the Adult Social Care sector. Our carers provide person-centred services tailored around the needs of their clients. Services are provided in the carer’s home or in the community and therefore deliver a more natural and real-life experience. Our carers love their work, are passionate, and want to make the best life possible for their clients, whilst having fun at work.
As a Shared Lives Carer, you will provide support to adults with social care and support needs. This might include dementia, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, behavioural needs, or poor mental health. How much support you provide is flexible, depending on how much time you can commit.
Core Placements
- Long term placement (living in your home full-time for 28 days or over)
- Short break (staying in your home overnight or full-time for up to 4 weeks)
- Day support (provide activities for 3-6 hours)
Clients require sole use of a bedroom and are treated like any other member of the household. Like other family members, clients usually have their own interests to pursue, so they may go to day service, college, or work during the day so you will have time to pursue your own personal interests or look after other members of your family.
Shared Lives Leicestershire is accountable to Care Quality Commission and is rated “Good.” The Registered Manager of the Scheme remains ultimately responsible for the quality and safety of the care and support offered in every Shared Lives arrangement and visits are made on a quarterly basis with carers and clients to ensure the placement continues to meet the desired needs.
As a Shared Lives Carer, you will be required to:
- Provide a happy and healthy home for clients, supporting their needs as stated in the clients’ support plan and risk assessment and tailored around the clients’ interests.
- Undertake all mandatory training requirements and where necessary attend specialist training to meet specific needs of complex clients depending on their care and support needs.
- Maintain great communication with Shared Lives team members, external agencies, and client’s family members to ensure a joined-up approach to the provision of support.
- Keep accurate records of all aspects of support provided to the client, including financial transactions, medication, and daily routines, as well as ensuring the client’s support plan and risk assessment is up to date.
- Promote equal opportunities to our clients.
- Ensure that great care is always taken for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and your client.
In Return, You Will Receive
- Generous allowance payments (amount dependent on the number and type of placements you provide).
- Tax relief (as a self-employed worker you can qualify for tax relief of up to ÂŁ18,140 per year).
- A comprehensive induction and training programme including free care certificate and first aid training.
- 24-hour access to advice and support.
- Up to 42 nights’ paid time off per year if providing long term care.
For further information about the Shared Lives Service including some frequently asked questions about the role of a Shared Lives Carer, please visit our website.
About You
To become a Shared Lives Carer, you don’t necessarily need any specific qualifications or experience; however some previous experience of caring, whether paid or unpaid, would be beneficial. We are looking for people who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Patience
- Initiative
- Good sense of humour
- Good listening skills
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Committed to equal opportunities
In addition to the above, you must be aged 18 or over, live in Leicestershire (not Leicester City), and hold a valid driving licence. You will be required to undertake a DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity.
For More Information Or An Informal Discussion
The Shared Lives Team
How To Apply
To apply to become a Shared Lives Carer, please complete our online application form which is available here. The form asks about your education, qualifications and employment experience so please have this information ready before you begin.
Shared Lives Carer in London employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Shared Lives Service inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values and the kind of support they offer. This will help you connect better with potential clients and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to other Shared Lives Carers or join local community groups. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insights that might just give you the edge in your new role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for referrals to come to you; express your availability and willingness to take on placements. The more enthusiastic you are, the more likely you are to attract clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your home welcoming and adaptable! Since you'll be providing care in your own space, make sure it’s comfortable and ready for clients. A warm environment can make all the difference in building trust and rapport.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer in London
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 passionate about becoming a Shared Lives Carer. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and why you think you’d be a great fit for this role.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, it’s important to keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible and avoid long-winded sentences. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance!
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your information. Typos and errors can make a bad impression, so take a moment to proofread your application. We want to see your best self right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Shared Lives Carer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the types of clients you might support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, think about any relevant experience you have, whether paid or unpaid. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated patience, initiative, or good listening skills in past situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training provided, the types of placements available, or how the Shared Lives team supports carers. Asking insightful questions shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role.
✨Be Yourself
The role requires a good sense of humour and the ability to connect with clients. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Authenticity can go a long way in showing that you’re the right fit for this caring position.
