At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in managing Direct Payments and recruiting Personal Assistants.
- Company: Join Action on Disability, a charity dedicated to empowering disabled people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and development in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting independence and choice.
- Qualifications: Experience in recruitment, knowledge of employment law, and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Action on Disability, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London, SW6 7BF
Action on Disability (AoD) is a charity founded in 1979 that provides a range of services for disabled people, including an Independent Living Service (Self‑Directed Support Service) in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Purpose of Post
To work with individuals, their families and friends to provide information, advice and assistance enabling them to access and manage a Direct Payment (DP) and recruit and manage a Personal Assistant (PA).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide information and advice on becoming an employer and the role of the Personal Assistant.
- Ensure that clients understand their legal obligations and responsibilities as employers.
- Help clients set up a profile on the Find‑a‑PA website, advertise and recruit a PA, create a personalised job description and specification, and identify required experience and training.
- Advise on PA salary calculations and costs (full training provided).
- Support clients through the interview process and sit in during interviews if necessary.
- Assist with reference checks, legal status verification and DBS checks of support workers.
- Help clients set up induction plans and identify training needs for their PA.
- Support clients to complete payroll and insurance documentation.
- Draw up a Statement of Particular (contract) for the employed PA (templates provided).
- Encourage DP employers to seek advice from ACAS, Fish & Premier Care helplines and to use them.
- Ensure clients have a back‑up plan for emergencies.
- Encourage DP employers to be assertive and proactive with their Personal Assistants.
- Coordinate with agencies for clients who prefer not to employ a PA directly.
Ongoing Support to Individuals in Receipt of Direct Payments
- Provide advice on employment issues.
- Assist with practical problems such as staff lateness or changing needs.
- Support recruitment of new staff when required.
- Review budgets, training and job descriptions as needs change.
- Ensure continued management of Direct Payments or budgets.
- Assist in making informed choices.
- Meet regularly with the DP Support Group.
- Develop training and resources to support employers managing Direct Payments and PA relationships.
- Build professional relationships with Social Work teams to support referrals.
For all work
- Work in a person‑centred way.
- Comply with AoD’s policies and procedures.
- Participate in the development of the service and contribute to service improvement.
- Be computer literate and administratively self‑supporting.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Self‑Directed Support Service Lead or line manager.
Special Requirements
- Ability to travel within Hammersmith and Fulham.
- Some attendance at meetings and events outside normal office hours.
Person Specification
- Good standard of education.
- Experience recruiting volunteers or staff.
- Knowledge of employment law.
- Understanding of social care and Direct Payments legislation.
- Experience supporting individuals to recruit and manage employees.
- Experience working with clients with support needs.
- Experience using a person‑centred approach.
- Creative thinking and solution‑finding skills.
- Information gathering and assessment skills.
- Numeracy skills and budgeting knowledge.
- High‑standard Word and Excel skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Flexible approach and working on own initiative.
- Good communication skills – interpersonal, written, presentational and spoken.
- Sensitive guidance skills.
- Assessment of matching skills and personalities to individual needs and preferences.
- Commitment to the Social Model of Disability and promotion of choice, independence, rights and inclusion.
- Understanding and commitment to AoD’s aims.
- Practical understanding of confidentiality requirements.
- Understanding of equal opportunities and anti‑discriminatory practice.
Desirable Qualities
- Experience working with disabled people.
- Lived experience of disability.
Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026
We welcome applicants from all walks of life. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and people with long‑term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in your cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme. AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.
Independent Living Advisor (Self-Directed Support Service) in London employer: Blind Ambition
Action on Disability is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that our Independent Living Advisors can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of disabled individuals. Our culture prioritises collaboration, respect, and empowerment, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about promoting independence and choice for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Advisor (Self-Directed Support Service) in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Blind Ambition.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Blind Ambition!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Blind Ambition, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Blind Ambition or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Living Advisor (Self-Directed Support Service) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Blind Ambition:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blind Ambition! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blind Ambition
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
