Shared Lives Carer

Hackney Borough Council; London Borough of Hackney; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Specialist Training

Dedicated Ongoing Support

Carer Community

Paid Allowance

Job summary

Hackney Borough Council is seeking Shared Lives carers to support adults and young people aged 16+ in their day-to-day lives, within a family setting. This is a self-employed opportunity; you would work from your home and in your local community, with flexible long-term, respite, or day-support placements.

We provide full training, ongoing support, and a paid allowance; typical weekly earnings are between £500 and £900 depending on care level and placement type.

Qualifications

• No formal care qualifications required.
• Must be 21 years of age or older and a full-time UK resident or have leave to remain.

Responsibilities

• Nurture life skills through daily tasks, meals, and a welcoming home.
• Support health, wellbeing, safety, and everyday routines.
• Encourage independence, new experiences, and community involvement.
• Provide a sense of belonging within an extended family circle.

Job description

Shared Lives carers support adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care and support in their day-to-day lives. Care is built around real relationships, matching people with carers who share similar interests, lifestyles, and personalities.

Under the scheme, approved Shared Lives carers open their homes, family lives, and local networks to adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care or support due to a disability, age, illness, or social isolation.

Whether someone moves in long-term, stays regularly for short breaks (respite), or spends time with a carer during the day, Shared Lives gives people the chance to live full, independent lives within a family setting.

Role Requirements

You do not need formal care qualifications to become a Shared Lives carer. What matters most are your personal qualities, skills, and commitment to supporting someone to reach their goals. Being a Shared Lives carer can be your full-time role, or something you do alongside existing work or caring responsibilities.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: You must be 21 years of age or older.
• Residency Status: You must be a full-time UK resident or have leave to remain (please note that we cannot provide visa sponsorship).
• Location: If offering long-term or respite support, you can live outside of Hackney.
• Spare Room: At least one spare bedroom is required if you plan to offer long-term or respite support. A spare room is not required for day support.
• Background & Vetting Checks: All carers must successfully complete an Enhanced DBS (police) check and provide references.
• Digital Access: Much of the assessment and training process involves online learning and video calls, so reliable access to a digital device is required.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Nurturing Life Skills: Sharing daily tasks like preparing nutritious home-cooked meals, keeping a welcoming living space, and managing everyday tasks together to build self-confidence.
• Supporting Health & Wellbeing: Offering encouragement and structure to help individuals feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for in their everyday routine.
• Empowering Independence: Encouraging new experiences, helping people pursue hobbies, build lifelong friendships, and take active part in the vibrant local community.
• Providing a sence of belonging: Opening your home so individuals feel genuinely included and valued as part of an extended family circle.

What We Offer

Although Shared Lives carers are self-employed, you will receive full training, dedicated support, and a paid allowance.

Flexible Arrangement Types

• Long-Term Placements: The individual moves into your home and lives as part of your household.
• Respite / Short Breaks: Short-term overnight stays (e.g., weekends or planned breaks)
• Day Support: Providing flexible support during the daytime or evening (not overnight) to help someone complete goals or engage in social activities.

Financial Allowance & Tax Benefits

• Carers receive financial allowances to cover the support provided, typically earning between £500 and £900 per week depending on the level of care and support type.
• Tax concessions through Qualifying Care Relief also apply to self-employed carers.

Dedicated Ongoing Support

• Named Shared Lives Coordinator: You will be paired with a dedicated officer who provides regular home visits, guidance, and ongoing monitoring.
• Free Specialist Training: Comprehensive pre-approval training and ongoing professional development modules are provided.
• Carer Community: Opportunities to attend local carer meet-ups, peer networks, and social events across Hackney.

Important Note on Employment Status:

Please note that becoming a Shared Lives carer is not an employment position with the London Borough of Hackney. This is a self-employed opportunity that allows you to work from your own home and in your local community, managing your own time while making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.