At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in a family-style environment, promoting independence and community involvement.
- Company: St Anne's Community Services, dedicated to inclusive care.
- Benefits: Earn £350-£650 per week, flexible hours, and free training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying a rewarding experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and good communication skills are essential; no formal qualifications needed.
The predicted salary is between 18200 - 33800 £ per year.
Overview
What is Shared Lives? Shared Lives is a UK-wide care service where adults or young people who need support live with, or regularly visit, an approved carer in the carer’s home. It is often described as ‘fostering for adults,’ but with a focus on independence and inclusion.
Shared Lives offers:
- Day support (visits during the day)
- Short breaks (overnight stays or respite care)
- Long-term placements (living as part of the carer’s household)
Who it helps: people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, physical disabilities, dementia, or young people leaving care who want a family-style environment instead of traditional care homes. Benefits include improved social life, community involvement, and independence.
St Anne's are registered to provide Shared Lives in Darlington, Middlesbrough, and Leeds.
Main duties of the job
What Shared Lives Means For The Person Benefiting
- A family-style environment
- Opportunities for independence, learning life skills like cooking, budgeting, and socialising
- Community inclusion: joining family activities, holidays, and local events
- Emotional well-being; reducing isolation and building friendships
- Flexibility: support can be tailored for day visits, short breaks, or long-term living arrangements
Working for our organisation
- A paid, flexible, self-employed role you do from home
- Free training and ongoing support so you feel confident from day one
- Thoughtful, personal matching to ensure the person you support fits well with your lifestyle, interests and home dynamic
- Purpose and connection through everyday moments that genuinely help someone locally
- Shared Lives is flexible: you choose what works for you (a few hours a week, occasional short breaks, or welcoming someone to live with you full-time)
- You can earn between £350-£650 per week, per person supported, plus tax relief and contributions for household costs
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
Qualities Needed for Shared Lives Carers
- Empathy, patience, and a caring nature
- Non-judgmental attitude and respect for individuality
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Flexibility and problem-solving skills
You don’t need formal qualifications; personal qualities matter most. You'll need a safe, clean home, with a spare room for live-in support and short breaks, but you can still offer day support if you don’t have one.
How To Apply To Be a Shared Lives Carer
- Initial Contact: Reach out to St Anne’s Shared Lives scheme or visit sharedlivesplus.org.uk
- Application Form: Provide details about your experience, home, and motivation
- Home Visit & Assessment: Your home will be checked for safety and suitability
- Background Checks: Enhanced DBS check and references
- Training: Mandatory training on safeguarding, personal care, medication, and record-keeping
- Approval Panel: Interview with professionals, carers, and people who use Shared Lives
The full process usually takes 4-12 weeks. Carers are self-employed and supported by the St Anne’s Community Services Shared Lives team. Being a Shared Lives carer includes tax-free income; what you get paid depends on what you can offer. All support, training, DBS checks, and referencing are free of charge and undertaken by St Anne’s Community Services.
St. Anne’s is working to actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We want people from underrepresented groups such as disabled, Black and ethnic minority, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and non-binary (LGBTQ+) communities to apply for all our roles. St. Anne's is a Disability Confident employer. If you are an applicant who has a disability, you will be offered an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the job. Please contact recruitment on 0113 243 5151 opt 5 if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Shared Lives Carer in Leeds employer: St Annes Community Services
St Anne's Community Services is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible and rewarding role as a Shared Lives Carer in the vibrant communities of Darlington, Middlesbrough, and Leeds. With a strong commitment to personal growth, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals needing care while enjoying the benefits of self-employment and competitive earnings. Join us to foster independence and inclusion in a family-style environment that values empathy and connection.
Contact Details:
St Annes Community Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Carer in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Carer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at St Annes Community Services, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like St Annes Community Services, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help St Annes Community Services understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Annes Community Services
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with St Annes Community Services from the get-go!
