Shared Lives Officer - Ref: SS05226
Walsall Council · Walsall · £29,542–£32,046 (stated in the posting)
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Shared Lives Officer to join our friendly and supportive Shared Lives team within the Pathways to Independence service, within Adult Social Care at Walsall Council in a recently CQC inspected service rated as ‘GOOD’.
This is an exciting opportunity to support adults with learning disabilities, mental health, dementia and other support needs to live independently within family-based Shared Lives placements. Working alongside carers, families and professionals, you will help ensure high-quality, person-centred support is delivered whilst promoting independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
You will join a supportive and dedicated team committed to delivering an outstanding service that enables people to live fulfilling lives within their local communities.
The opportunity:
You will support the assessment, review and ongoing monitoring of individuals accessing Shared Lives services.
You will work closely with Shared Lives Carers to ensure placements remain safe, effective and person-centred.
You will contribute to the development and review of support plans that promote independence and individual choice.
You will work collaboratively with families, health professionals, social workers and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for individuals.
You will undertake risk assessments and safeguarding activities to ensure the welfare of vulnerable adults.
You will support the matching process between individuals and Shared Lives households.
You will maintain accurate records and case management information in line with legislation, policy and service requirements.
You will contribute to the continued development, enhancement and improvement of the Shared Lives Service.
You will support the recruitment of future shared lives carers and the promotion of our service within the local Borough and communities.
You will:
Build and maintain positive working relationships with individuals, carers, families and professionals.
Undertake reviews and reassessments in accordance with care management procedures and statutory requirements.
Develop, implement and monitor person-centred support plans.
Identify risks and take appropriate action to ensure individuals remain safe and supported.
Provide advice, guidance and practical support to Shared Lives Carers.
Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate support and services.
Ensure accurate, confidential and timely record keeping.
Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and person-centred practice in all aspects of your work.
Contribute to service performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
Champion Walsall Councils values and behaviours, including being Customer Focused, Inclusive, Ambitious and Accountable.
What we're looking for:
NVQ Level 3 in Adult Social Care (or equivalent relevant qualification) OR willingness to complete within the first 12 months of employment.
Experience of working with vulnerable adults in a social care setting.
Experience of developing and reviewing support plans.
Experience of working in partnership with carers, families and external agencies.
Knowledge of Adult Social Care legislation, safeguarding and person-centred approaches.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships. Good organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems.
Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a team.
A flexible approach to work including occasional evening and weekend work and the ability to travel across the borough as required are we looking for?
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Note: Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your ‘Supporting Information’ – reflects your own voice.