Shared Lives - Current Vacancies
This is a self-employed position
Shared Lives Carer
Are you a kind, caring and compassionate person who enjoys being around people, helping make them happy? Have you ever thought about being a Shared Lives Carer?
What is a Shared Lives Carer?
Being a Shared Lives Carer is a unique experience and the type of support you offer can be flexible to meet your own personal circumstances. The role can fit around other work commitments and family responsibilities and can be provided right from your own home. A Shared Lives Carer helps make a real difference in the person’s life, offering their time and support.
The care provided by you could include having someone live with you, spend the week or weekend with you, or meeting up with someone once or twice a week. The support you would provide aims to enhance a person’s independence and wellbeing. You will help them grow, develop in confidence and enjoy tasks, activities and hobbies, such as walking, crafts, singing, sports, shopping, or going to the cinema, concerts and the pub.
The service is both flexible and personalised and can be offered in a variety of ways to suit both the carer and the person. This is all done with the training, supervision and guidance from Vivo’s Shared Lives scheme.
Make a Difference From Home
Shared Lives is a unique, family‑based approach to adult social care. As a Shared Lives Carer, you support an adult to live a fulfilling, independent and connected life welcoming them into your home or offering community‑based support.
This is a self‑employed role, working in partnership with a CQC‑regulated scheme. You will have guidance, clear expectations and responsibilities, and ongoing support from the Shared Lives team.
What the Role Involves
You can choose to offer:
- Long‑term support where someone becomes part of your household
- Short breaks and respite care
Support may include:
- Encouraging daily routines and independence
- Enjoying hobbies and activities together
- Supporting friendships and social opportunities
- Creating a warm, safe and welcoming home environment
All arrangements are carefully matched to suit both you and the person you support.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome people from all backgrounds. You can apply whether you are single, living with a partner, renting or owning your home, and no prior care experience is required.
You will need:
- To be over 18
- A spare bedroom (for long‑term or respite support)
- A caring, patient approach
- The motivation to make a difference
Working With a Regulated Scheme
Although the role is self‑employed, you will work under a Shared Lives Carer Agreement with clear responsibilities, safeguarding expectations and standards.
All requirements will be fully explained during your assessment and training.
The scheme is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and provides:
- Training and ongoing development
- Regular supervision and coordinator support
- Access to peer support and Shared Lives Plus membership
- Guidance with respite planning
Assessment & Approval
Applicants complete a supportive assessment process which includes:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Home health & safety check
- Basic health checks
- Carer Assessment
This usually takes up to 3 months, depending on training completion.
Once approved, you will be offered suitable, well‑matched referrals as they become available.
Why Choose Shared Lives?
- Work flexibly around your lifestyle
- Build meaningful, long‑term relationships
- Receive paid respite for long‑term arrangements
- Be part of a friendly, supportive community
- Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
Apply Today
To request an application form, please email:
📩 sharedlives@vivocarechoices.co.uk