Shared Lives - Self-Employed - We are recruiting new carers now

Kirklees Council; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Initial training

Ongoing learning and development

Carer networking events

Shared Lives Plus membership

Job summary

Kirklees Council invites compassionate individuals to become Shared Lives Carers in Kirklees. Open your home to adults with additional needs, providing live-in or day support in a family environment.

This self-employed role offers flexible types of support including long-term, respite care, and day support, with full training and ongoing backing. Carers work closely with social workers and health professionals, following care plans and engaging in training and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous care experience is beneficial but not essential; full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and support in your own home as the primary carer.
• Be the care provider and, in long-term arrangements, the landlord.
• Support individuals to develop independence, friendships, and participate in the local community.
• Follow care and support plans and engage with the wider support network.

Skills

Caring nature

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Independence support

Job description

Contract Type:

This role is self - employed

Make a difference in your community

Kirklees Shared Lives Scheme is seeking compassionate individuals to open their homes and support adults with additional needs to live independent, fulfilling lives as part of a family environment.

If you have a spare room, a caring nature, and a desire to support others, becoming a Shared Lives Carer could be a rewarding opportunity for you.

About the role

As a Shared Lives Carer, you will provide care and support in your own home. You will be both the person’s care provider and, in long-term arrangements, their landlord.

You can offer different types of support depending on your availability and preferences, including:

• Long-term (live-in) support
• Short breaks (respite care)
• Day support

You will support individuals to:

• Develop independence skills and confidence
• Build friendships and meaningful relationships
• Take part in their local community
• Achieve outcomes set out in their support plan

You will also:

• Work closely with social workers, health professionals, and the person’s wider support network
• Follow agreed care and support plans
• Engage with training, checks, monitoring, and reviews

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people who:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Live within the Kirklees area
• Have a spare bedroom

You may be:

• Single, married, or living with a partner or family
• Working, retired, or at home
• Renting or owning your home

Previous care experience is beneficial but not essential, as full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Essential qualities include:

• A caring and supportive attitude
• Empathy and patience
• Commitment to helping others develop independence

Financial and practical support

As a Shared Lives Carer, you will be self-employed and receive:

• A payment for providing care and support
• For long-term arrangements:

You will also receive:

• A minimum of 28 nights short breaks (respite) per year (for long-term carers)
• An allocated Shared Lives Worker for ongoing support
• Access to out-of-hours support
• Initial training and ongoing learning and development opportunities

In addition, you will be invited to:

• Carer networking and social events
• Join the national Shared Lives organisation, Shared Lives Plus

Why choose Shared Lives?

Shared Lives offers a unique opportunity to make a genuine difference by welcoming someone into your home and supporting them to live a richer, more independent life.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer in Kirklees by following the link to our website or QR code.

Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/sharedlives for more information.

If you’d like to find out more about Shared Lives, we run regular drop-in sessions. Please contact the team using the link to find out when the next session is taking place.