Shared Lives Carer

The Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme supports people to become carers and provide paid care in their own home to adults who need some help and support with day-to-day life. The assistance needed can vary a great deal depending on the individual. The aim is, as far as possible, to enable people to live the kind of life they choose, in an ordinary household.

People who use the service need practical and emotional support to live their lives more fully and independently and feel part of a family household. They may have mental health difficulties, a learning disability, physical health needs, be an older person needing extra help, or a young person leaving care requiring continued support.

We are keen to recruit people from all backgrounds who feel they can offer this type of paid support in their own home. Shared Lives Carers are approved with the County Council and work on a Self -employed basis. This means that you can still do your ‘day job’ if preferred or, focus on working from home and offer someone anything from occasional short breaks through to a longer-term, full-time arrangement whereby someone lives with you. You don't need to have had previous experience in Social Care but you do need to have a positive approach, be willing to learn , have a spare bedroom and be comfortable sharing your home. There is a training and assessment process and you will be fully supported by the Shared Lives Scheme.

Shared Lives Carers are paid a sessional rate . The weekly rates per person you support are £417- £568. There are special tax arrangements for Shared Lives Carers. This means that you can be earning up to £40,000 in this role without needing to pay tax on this income

f you have questions or doubts about whether you would be suitable, then please do contact the Shared Lives Scheme on 01865897971 so we can talk it through with you.

The support you could give can make a huge difference to the lives of people using the service, often enabling them to experience new opportunities, reach new goals and live their best life.

Sharing your life can change a life …. and you could be just the person we are looking for!

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk