At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide respite support for individuals in your home, helping them live independently.
- Company: Join Wirral Council's innovative Shared Lives service, fostering community connections.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Perfect for students seeking meaningful work with flexible hours.
- Why this job: Empower adults to thrive in their communities while enjoying a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a caring attitude and willingness to help.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
- Employer: Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
- Salary: Starting from £621.46 per week, per person supported.
- Location: Wirral
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing Date: 02/08/2026 at 23:59
- Reference: AH&SC/25/324075
Shared Lives is a care and support service which offers an alternative to supported living or residential care. We support people from the age of 16 to live in the community with their shared lives carer. As a respite/short breaks carer, you will be providing short breaks for our full-time carers and unpaid carers. Unpaid carers are usually family members who care and support their loved one.
People are matched based on shared interests, lifestyles, and sense of humour. Shared lives offer a rewarding and flexible way to support someone in your family home. This is a self employed position.
The people we support attend day service, work placement, volunteer or have day support from shared lives. You will be responsible for supporting an individual, who is carefully matched to you, with daily living skills during their short break.
The role is flexible, and you would only provide short breaks when you are available to do so. Short break bookings are for a minimum of one night. You are able to support up to three people at any one time and you are paid per person. As you are working from home, you are also able to claim tax relief on your earnings. As a shared lives carer, you could support- People with Learning disabilities, Autistic people, People with Mental health issues, A person with an ABI, parent and baby, A person who has Dementia or people who need support after living in a Domestic Violence environment. All you need to be a shared lives carer is an open heart.
Please apply by contacting sharedlives@wirral.gov.uk
Shared Lives Respite Carer employer: Wirral Council
Wirral Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. As an Educational Psychologist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from flexible hybrid working arrangements and ongoing professional development initiatives tailored to enhance your skills in inclusive practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Lives Respite Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even acquaintances who might know someone in the care sector. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to care roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to supporting individuals with diverse needs. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to talk!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for care! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why you’re drawn to the Shared Lives model. Your enthusiasm can make a huge difference in how they see you as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Lives Respite Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Shared Lives Respite Carer role shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about supporting adults in their community and how your values align with ours.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if it involves caring for individuals with learning disabilities or mental health issues. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission!
Be Personal and Authentic:Don’t be afraid to share a bit about yourself! We’re looking for genuine connections, so include personal anecdotes that reflect your personality and approach to care. It helps us get to know the real you.
Follow Application Instructions:Remember to apply through our website or the provided email address. Make sure you follow any specific instructions in the job description to ensure your application stands out and reaches us correctly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the Shared Lives Respite Carer role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the kind of support you'll be providing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Share Personal Experiences
Think about any relevant experiences you've had that relate to caring for others, especially those with learning disabilities or mental health issues. Sharing personal stories can make your answers more relatable and demonstrate your empathy and understanding.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the team. This shows that you're engaged and keen to learn more about how you can contribute to the Shared Lives service. It also gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Highlight your ability to be flexible and adapt to different situations, as the role requires providing respite support on a short-term basis. Share examples of times when you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or supported someone in need.
