The role
About Shared Lives
Shared Lives is sometimes described as being similar to providing ‘foster care for adults with additional/complex needs’, but it is so much more than that as we enable people to take control of their lives and make informed choices to maximise independence.
There are approximately 9,500 adults being supported by around 10,000 Carers in Shared Lives households across England.
Shared Lives is beneficial for everyone. As well as consistently achieving greater outcomes for adults with additional needs, Shared Lives also has the lowest number of safeguarding enquiries in comparison to all other forms of Adult Social Care.
We support anybody from the age of 18 and will undertake preparatory work with young adults who are making the transition from Children’s Services.
Whilst Shared Lives is traditionally a service for people with learning disabilities, we have experience of setting up Arrangements for people with mental ill health, early-onset dementia, hospital discharges, older people, physical disabilities, people on the Autistic Spectrum and other complex support needs.
Further information about our Shared Lives service can be found by clicking HERE
Purpose
Do you have a room in your home and room in your heart? Could you share your home with someone who needs your support?
Shared Lives Carers open up their home and support adults with additional/complex needs on either a Live-In, Short-Break or Day Support basis. Shared Lives is sometimes described as a bit like ‘foster care for adults’ but it’s so much more than that. The Carer encourages the person to not only become part of the family and provide a sense of belonging, but also to create a life of new opportunities, of which the person would otherwise have limited chances to experience. The aim of the Shared Lives Carer is to always support the person to develop the practical, social and emotional skills to make their own choices in life and be as independent as possible, whilst remaining at the heart of the community, just like you and me.
If the following appeals, we’d love to hear from you:
* You will support the person who comes to live or stay with you to develop the practical, social and emotional skills to make their own choices in life and be as independent as possible, whilst remaining at the heart of the community, just like you and me.
* If you are currently looking for a change of direction/career change or are already working as a support worker/care assistant in domiciliary or residential care and are passionate about supporting people more flexibly in the community, then Shared Lives could be for you.
* You want to become a meaningful part of someone’s life and be able to support them in all their activities.
* You have a passion for helping others live a fulfilling and interesting life.
* You would like the opportunity to take part in wider social events and celebrations and access existing resources, as well as connecting to a wealth of support and friendships.
Location
Wolverhampton, Dudley and the neighbouring Black Country areas, including South Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire (below A454), North Worcestershire, South-West Birmingham and Sandwell.
Payment
As a Shared Lives Carer, you can be paid £700+ per week or pro-rata depending on the level of support you provide to the adult who comes to stay with you. Through HMRC, you will have self-employed status and therefore qualify for tax relief for each person you support. To find out more about the tax relief you could receive, please click on the following link: Increase in Qualifying Care Relief - GOV.UK ()
Hours
Shared Lives Carers provide support to the person on either a Live-In (permanent), Short Breaks (over-night or weekends) or Day-Opportunities (morning or afternoon sessions) basis.
About You
* Shared Lives Carers are very passionate about the work they do; they are extremely creative in how they support the Person achieve greater independence, but above all else they don’t make assumptions about people just because of the labels they may have been given.
* It doesn’t matter if you are employed, not working or retired, you can still be a Shared Lives Carer.
* You don’t need any qualifications or experience of working in the care sector (though it can help), all you need is the right values, dedication and of course a spare room.
* Your age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, marital status, or living situation are not barriers—your passion and values matter most.
* Key personal qualities include patience, flexibility, creativity, understanding, and open-minded.
* Good communication skills are important for working with professionals and families.
* A clean, safe, and welcoming spare room is essential (permission from your landlord is required if you rent).
* You will need to be over 18 years of age, be able to read and write English and be committed to undertaking training and supervision for the continued development of your role.
The charity
Established in 1954, Camphill Village Trust is a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health challenges. In our 70th year we honour our past, provide for the present and will lead the future.
Our focus on humanity and nature was inspired by our past and remains as key to the Trust’s ethos today. This is reflected in our focus on social and green care integration, valuing everyone’s contribution, enabling personal pathways to development, celebrating the changing seasons, and respecting the rhythm of natural life.
We operate in both rural and urban communities, building on our care (social) farming legacy. Our historical focus on enabling potential for people with support needs through farming, organic horticulture and enterprise centred on nature and traditional skills, continues to play to our strengths.
The benefits
Below is just a taste of what we offer:
Life cover for all employees so families will receive payment if a colleague dies at work (subject to cover terms and conditions).
Employees who introduce a friend to work with us receive £150 through payroll (Terms & Conditions apply.)
Employee assistance programme with 24/7 helpline for advice and support. Also available to your immediate family
We contribute to a pension scheme along with your personal contributions
Annual leave entitlement 25 days per year PLUS statutory bank and national holidays
Free parking at most communities
The gallery
What we offer