At a Glance
- Tasks: Recruit and support carers for vulnerable individuals in Hackney's Shared Lives scheme.
- Company: Hackney Council, a vibrant and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working, community engagement, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create meaningful living arrangements for those in need.
- Qualifications: Degree in marketing/communication or relevant experience; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fixed Term / Secondment Opportunity - 12 Months
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough.
Hackney Shared Lives scheme are pleased to announce this exciting opportunity of a 12 month fixed term contract in our Shared Lives service for an assessment and scheme promotion officer, to join a well established team within Hackney Council. Shared Lives is a Care Quality Commission registered service that provides home based care and support to vulnerable people, enabling them to live with an assessed carer in the carer's home. This could be long term, respite or day care. We match carers and vulnerable people and help both parties to find a happy living arrangement. This is a hugely satisfying role and you will be part of a wider shared lives community of 146 schemes in the UK.
Your role is to recruit carers who reside in Hackney and have a spare room to become part of a growing scheme. Knowledge and understanding of writing assessments, promotion of the service, conveying information and understanding the difficulties faced by vulnerable people is essential. You must be enthusiastic, creative, confident and a good communicator as the role will involve engaging with wide and varied community groups. You must be able to present information to groups of people, and to engage quickly with people, building a rapport. Please note, there will be occasional weekend work - so flexibility in this role is required.
The person must have:
- A bachelor's degree in marketing and communication or experience in this area of work would be an advantage.
- Approved Social worker qualification or other relevant professional qualification in Health and Social care (e.g., NVQ 5 / QCF level 5, equivalent qualification or above).
- Experience in developing and implementing recruitment campaigns.
You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in recruiting carers and presenting shared lives as a viable career option for potential carers who may not have considered this opportunity, and who have a spare room and reside in Hackney. Excellent communications skills are required along with the ability to build strong relationships with community groups and members of the public.
Please note: an Enhanced DBS check is required for this post. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
Closing date for applications: 05 July. Interview date: 15, 16 & 17 July 2026.
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.
Shared Lives Co-ordinator in London employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises community engagement and social equity. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on diversity, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents while enjoying the benefits of working in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. The role of Shared Lives Co-ordinator not only provides a rewarding career path but also allows you to be part of a dedicated team striving for excellence in care and support services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Co-ordinator in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to London Borough of Hackney, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Co-ordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of London Borough of Hackney. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at London Borough of Hackney. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with London Borough of Hackney.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Shared Lives Co-ordinator role at London Borough of Hackney, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show London Borough of Hackney that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.