At a Glance
- Tasks: Recruit and match carers with individuals needing support, promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Award-winning charity providing care services across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellbeing hour, and additional perks like a birthday day off.
- Other info: Join a team rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach required.
Shared Lives South West is an award-winning charity that provides long-term and short break care and support services throughout Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. We’re now looking for a passionate individual to join us as a Shared Lives Coordinator on a part-time, permanent basis, working 30 hours per week. Your days worked must include Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
As a Shared Lives Coordinator, you will recruit, assess and match Shared Lives Carers with people seeking care and support, helping to deliver high-quality, well-supported arrangements that promote independence and wellbeing. Working collaboratively with carers, supported individuals, families and partner organisations, you will build positive, person-centred relationships, ensuring every arrangement is safe, effective and reflects the values of the Shared Lives scheme. You will bring experience of working with people who have care and support needs, alongside strong communication skills and a compassionate, organised approach to supporting both carers and individuals.
What You’ll Get From Us
- Salary of £31,303.76 per annum (pro rata)
- 25 days of annual leave pro rata (rising to 27 days with service)
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Additional day off to mark your birthday
- Wellbeing Hour (one hour per week)
- Paid dependant and Carer leave
- Volunteer days (two per year)
- 24/7 access to GP telephone service
- Accident and Injury Insurance
- Mindful Employer Support
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Blue Light Card Eligibility
A Bit More About the Role
In this varied and rewarding role, you will work closely with Shared Lives Carers throughout their journey, from undertaking comprehensive assessments and supporting the approval process through to helping establish successful, long-term arrangements. Supporting the matching and introductory process, you will manage a caseload of Shared Lives Carers, providing ongoing guidance through regular contact and home visits while responding appropriately to any issues that arise, including complex situations and safeguarding concerns.
Additionally, you will:
- Carry out annual reviews of Shared Lives Carers and support plans
- Maintain accurate records using electronic and paper-based systems
- Support training events, local meetings and consultation opportunities for carers and supported individuals
- Liaise with funding and benefits teams regarding the financial aspects of the service
- Promote the Shared Lives service through home visits, presentations, networking and community engagement
Who Are We Looking For?
To be considered as a Shared Lives Coordinator, you will need:
- At least two years’ experience working within a regulated care or commissioning environment
- Knowledge and experience of person-centred approaches when working with people who receive support
- Sound knowledge of legislation, policy and practice relevant to adults with care and support needs (e.g. Care Quality Commission, Safeguarding Adults, Mental Capacity Act)
- An understanding or experience of the Shared Lives model
- Knowledge of local authority social care processes
- A qualification at Level 3 or above in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
- GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above in Maths and English, or equivalent
- A full, valid driving licence and the ability to travel according to the needs of the role
Please note, appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks. The closing date for this role is 7th September 2026. Interviews are to be held on 22nd September 2026.
About Shared Lives South West: Shared Lives South West recruits, trains, and supports carers who offer accommodation in their own homes to people with care and support needs. This enables them to share in family life, develop skills, and maintain their independence. We are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, take pride in providing top-quality care and support, and have a history of successful delivery, achieving Shared Lives awards, and clear values and mission.
So, if you’re ready to step into a meaningful role as a Shared Lives Coordinator, supporting people throughout the South West, select the apply button today.
Shared Lives Coordinator in Kingsteignton employer: Shared Lives
Shared Lives South West is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with care needs. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through training and community engagement. Join us in Kingsteignton, Devon, and be part of an award-winning charity that values your contributions and promotes a culture of collaboration and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Coordinator in Kingsteignton
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Shared Lives, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Shared Lives. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Shared Lives's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Coordinator in Kingsteignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Shared Lives. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Shared Lives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Lives
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Shared Lives.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Shared Lives Coordinator at Shared Lives.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Shared Lives that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Shared Lives Coordinator role.
