Shared Lives Enquiry

Leicestershire Shared Lives Service views carers as the core of our service and puts emphasis on supporting them from the point at which they decide to become a carer. You'll need to be over 18 years old and have some experience in a caring role, which can be formal or informal and will be assessed when you apply. You'll need to have your own computer or other device with internet and email access. You can be single or living with a partner, including same sex relationships.

You'll need to have:

• flexibility
• a good sense of humour
• patience
• good understanding and listening skills
• excellent communication and record keeping skills and the ability to work as part of the Shared Lives service and with other professionals
• initiative
• a positive attitude and an ability to maintain confidentiality
• a commitment to equal opportunities - regardless of disability, race, culture or beliefs.

You will need experience of one or more of the following; supporting adults with

• learning disabilities
• mental health conditions
• physical or sensory disabilities
• dementia
• drug and alcohol dependency
• age-related disabilities

• Providing meaningful activities - either at home or in the community
• Helping someone to develop their independent living skills, such as cooking, budgeting, using public transport, developing road safety skills.
• Helping with personal care tasks

You could offer care support during the daytime, evenings and at weekends. Some Shared Lives carers offer long-term accommodation and support to people, while other carers offer overnight short breaks for days or weeks at a time. Some of our carers also offer daytime support on a one-to-one basis or in groups of up to 3 people.

You'll need to provide references from:

• A current or previous employer
• Two personal referees who have known you for at least 2 years
• Your GP – to ensure your health is suitable for this work
• Your mortgage lender or landlord – to ensure that they are happy for you to do this kind of work in your home

We will also conduct a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check on you and any other applicants. Local Authority checks will also be carried out on you and members of your household. A detailed assessment will be carried out to make sure you have the appropriate skills, values and attitudes to become an approved Shared Lives carer. The assessment process can take several months and approval is made by the Shared Lives Panel.

You'll be paid for the care and support you provide for people. You may be able to support up to 3 people at any one time, depending on your space and your skills. Payments will vary according to the level of care and support people need. Please contact us for more information on current payment rates. As a Shared Lives carer you'll be classed as self-employed. We are unable to guarantee you regular work. The amount of work is likely to depend on your own flexibility, location, skills, experience, and the type of services you're approved to provide. Potential Tax Relief As a Shared Lives Carer you can claim 'qualifying tax relief' and it is available whether you offer longer term shared lives arrangements, respite, shared lives day support or any combination of the three.