You will be self-employed. Often paid weekly, you can earn between £350 and £625. You can also receive a contribution towards accommodation and household costs, such as food, electricity and water.
Skills and values
There are a range of skills and values that are needed to work as a shared lives carer. These include:
- Excellent communication, observational and listening skills
- Good verbal, digital, written and numeracy skills
- Treating people with dignity and respect
- Ability to lone work
- Understanding of self-employment
Find out out more about the role with Shared Lives South West.
Entry requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed for this role however you may benefit from previous experience in a caring setting. It is more important that you have the right skillset and that you’re able to relate to people from different aspects of life.
You will need to be self-employed and have a spare room in your home.
What roles can I do to gain experience?
- Care Assistant
- Personal Assistant
Opportunities to develop
The care workforce pathway is a new career structure for the adult social care workforce. Take a look to see the behaviours, knowledge and skills. This role covers category B.
Care or support worker: role category B
You will complete an induction and opportunity to complete the new Level 2 Care Certificate. Opportunity for continuing professional development qualification such as dementia, end of life, autism care, learning disabilities, mental health and more.
You can explore apprenticeships to develop your knowledge and understanding from Level 2 Adult care worker, Level 3 Lead adult care worker, Level 4 Lead practitioner in adult care, these apprenticeships can take from 18 months to complete. Or further apprenticeship or degrees such as the Nursing Associate or Occupational Therapist which can take up to two/three years to complete.
What's Next
- Senior Care Assistant
- Management
Find out more about this role from real people.
