Shared Lives is a community-based model of care that matches self-employed Shared Lives Carers with people aged 16 and over who have care and support needs. Support is provided in the Carer’s home, enabling people to live gloriously ordinary lives.
The Dorset Shared Lives Scheme, run by Dorset Council, recruits and supports these Carers to share their home and life with suitable Service Users. This can be through a long-term placement, a short break to provide respite, or as a day opportunity.
The scheme is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and all staff and Shared Lives Carers work within CQC standards.
What will you be doing?
Shared Lives Officers are responsible for maintaining a caseload of Shared Lives Carers and overseeing the support provided to Shared Lives Service Users.
They work closely with the scheme’s Manager, Senior Officer, Shared Lives Carers, and other professionals to ensure Service Users receive safe, consistent, high-quality care and support that meets their eligible needs and outcomes, as well as CQC standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- recruiting, assessing, and approving new Shared Lives Carers
- providing regular monitoring and support to Shared Lives Carers
- working with Social Work teams to consider Service User referrals
- matching Service Users and Carers for long-term placements, short breaks, and day opportunities
- reviewing Service User placements and advocating for Service Users in various contexts
- collaborating with other professionals to maintain high standards of care within the scheme
- full induction training and ongoing support will be provided to the successful candidate
Location and Working Arrangements
The registered location for the scheme is County Hall in Dorchester. We offer hybrid and flexible working, but the post-holder is expected to attend the office regularly and be available for face-to-face visits in the community to meet Shared Lives Carers and Service Users.
About You
We are looking for someone committed to working collaboratively and with clear purpose to improve the lives of people with care and support needs in Dorset.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Dorset Shared Lives Scheme. We would love to hear from you if you have experience working with people with care and support needs and possess the personal attributes, skills, and knowledge required for this role.