At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a positive difference by supporting adults with learning disabilities in a family environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant community-focused scheme in Lewisham.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent training, and the chance to work from home.
- Other info: Ongoing support and training provided, with great career satisfaction.
- Why this job: Transform lives while enjoying a rewarding self-employed career.
- Qualifications: Open to all ages; just need a spare bedroom and a caring heart.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1400 € per month.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! Do you have room in your heart and your home to make a positive difference?
If you would like a rewarding self-employed career that:
- makes a positive difference and improves lives
- offers varied and flexible hours
- allows you to work from home
- offers excellent support and training
We would like to hear from you!
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a scheme which matches adults with learning disabilities, dementia or other support needs with families who can provide accommodation and support, within the carers home. This can be long term or for short breaks.
Who can become a Shared Lives carer?
All kinds of people can become approved Shared Lives carers: couples or singles, of all ages, with or without children, homeowners or tenants. What is important is a desire to support people with assessed support needs to be as independent as possible in a family environment. You ideally should live in the Borough of Lewisham, although surrounding boroughs would be considered, you will need to have a spare bedroom in your home.
What support will you get from the Shared Lives Scheme?
- We provide training;
- careful matching of the person with you and your family;
- regular support from the Shared Lives officer;
- regular support meetings with other carers;
- access to other services and professionals in Lewisham;
- access to support from ‘Shared Lives Plus’ the national organisation.
Location
This is a home based role.
Getting paid
You would be paid a weekly fee for the accommodation and support you provide. You would be self-employed and responsible for making your own national insurance and tax payments, and you would benefit from tax concessions.
What do we need to know about you?
Becoming an approved Shared Lives carer is an in-depth process which includes a detailed assessment, Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check, medical checks and references. Shared Lives is monitored by the Care Quality Commission who ensure that care is provided to a high standard.
Follow the link below to our web page on the Lewisham website for more information on how Shared Lives works and how to become a Shared Lives carer.
If you wish to apply or find out more information please email the team. Alternatively, you can call a member of the team and we would be pleased to answer any questions you have.
Please be advised you cannot make an application directly through this site and must contact the team directly.
Closing Date: This is a rolling advert to Tuesday 31st March, 5:00 pm. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Shared Lives Carer employer: Lewisham Council
Join us in Lewisham as a Shared Lives Carer, where your commitment to making a positive impact on our diverse community is truly valued. Enjoy the flexibility of self-employment with varied hours, comprehensive training, and ongoing support from dedicated professionals, all while working from the comfort of your home. This role not only offers a rewarding career but also the opportunity to foster independence in individuals with support needs, making every day meaningful.
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! Understanding how it works and what it offers will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when discussing your potential role.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t be shy about reaching out! Whether it’s through email or a quick call, contacting the team directly can set you apart from other candidates. Ask questions, express your enthusiasm, and let them see your personality shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your home environment! Since this role is home-based, consider sharing a bit about your living space during discussions. Highlighting your spare bedroom and how you envision creating a welcoming atmosphere can really make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay connected with the community! Follow their social media for updates and insights. Engaging with their posts can help you understand their values better and might even give you some talking points for your conversations with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing 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. Share your experiences and why you think you’d be a great fit for this role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any relevant experience you have, whether it's caring for others or working in a supportive role. We love to see how your background can contribute to making a positive difference in our community!
Follow the Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions provided on our website. We want to make it easy for you, so ensure you follow the steps carefully to avoid any hiccups in your application process.
Ask Questions:If you're unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether it’s through email or a quick call, we’re here to help you with any questions you might have about the application process or the role itself.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Why
Before 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 you believe you can make a positive difference in someone's life. This personal touch can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Scheme
Make sure you understand what Shared Lives is all about. Research the scheme, its values, and how it operates. Being able to discuss specific aspects of the programme will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Think about any past experiences that relate to caring or supporting others, whether it's through work, volunteering, or personal life. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the role and the support you'll receive. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the position. It also gives you a chance to find out if this is the right fit for you.
