Harrow Council
Shared Lives Carers
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Overview
The London Borough of Harrow is seeking caring, reliable and committed people to become Shared Lives Carers and make a real difference to the lives of adults who need support to live independently in the community.
The Harrow Shared Lives Scheme is a care and support service run by London Borough of Harrow In-House Provider Services. This is not a domiciliary care agency or a care home service. It’s designed for Harrow citizens who want to live more independently in their local community while benefiting from the support of a family environment and social network. It offers an alternative to supported living or residential care.
Shared Lives Carers can support adults over 18 with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and other care and support needs. You do not need to have worked in social care before. What matters most is that you are compassionate, patient, dependable and committed to helping someone achieve greater independence and be part of their local community.
As a Shared Lives Carer, you will welcome an adult with care and support needs into your home and provide them with the support, encouragement and companionship they need to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Shared Lives also offers opportunities to provide day support, where you can support someone to get involved in activities, pursue their interests and access their local community outside of the home. This could include accompanying someone to social activities, appointments, shopping, hobbies or other activities that are meaningful to them.
Every Shared Lives arrangement is different, and you will work closely with the individual, their family and the Shared Lives team to make sure the support provided is person-centred and tailored to their needs, wishes and goals.
About You
You will be someone who enjoys supporting others and is interested in making a positive difference to another person's life. You may already have experience in care or support, but this is not essential. We welcome people from all walks of life who are caring, reliable and committed to supporting someone to live a fulfilling and more independent life. Your life experience, skills and personal qualities can all be valuable in becoming a Shared Lives Carer.
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For accommodation-based services you will need to have a suitable home environment and be able to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive home. You also do not have to be a Harrow resident. You should be willing to work in partnership with the individual and the Shared Lives team, respect their choices and promote their independence, dignity and wellbeing.
You will receive ongoing support, training and guidance from the Shared Lives team, so you will not be expected to do this alone.
We are interested in applicants from all backgrounds. There is a particular need for:
- Gujarati, Hindi, and Farsi speakers.
- People with ground-floor facilities for citizens that are less mobile.
This post will require a satisfactory enhanced DBS.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and care – providing person-centred support that reflects the individual's needs, preferences, goals and aspirations.
- Promoting independence – encouraging the person to develop their skills, make choices and take part in everyday activities within their home and community.
- Creating a welcoming home – providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where the individual feels valued and respected.
- Building relationships – developing a positive and trusting relationship with the person you support while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Community involvement – supporting the individual to pursue their interests, maintain relationships and participate in their local community.
- Working in partnership – working closely with the Shared Lives team, families, professionals and other services involved in the person's care and support.
- Safeguarding and wellbeing – promoting the person's safety and wellbeing and following safeguarding procedures and guidance where required.
- Learning and development – taking part in training, reviews and regular support from the Shared Lives team to ensure you feel confident in your role.
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What We Offer
As a Shared Lives Carer, you will receive:
- Flexible working arrangement under self-employed status with an additional £18,140 a year in tax relief
- Excellent rates of pay (between £400 - £650 per week for long-term placements)
- 28 days' paid respite from your caring role for full-time carers.
- Additional benefits including council tax reimbursement for long-term carers regardless of borough the carer lives in, free public liability insurance etc.
- Opportunities to offer non-accommodation-based services e.g. day care or outreach
- Training to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for the role
- Regular reviews and opportunities to discuss how your arrangement is going
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to someone's life
Shared Lives is a flexible and rewarding way to use your skills, experience and home to support someone to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
Could You Be a Shared Lives Carer?
You don't have to be a social care professional to become a Shared Lives Carer. Whether you have experience caring for someone, working with people, supporting your community or simply have the time, space and commitment to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.
If you are willing to open your heart, open your home and transform a life, Shared Lives could be an opportunity for you to make a lasting difference.
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