At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a 50-year-old man with Cerebral Palsy in his daily activities and communication.
- Company: Join a friendly team dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, and comprehensive training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence, caring attitude, and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 ÂŁ per hour.
To join our small and friendly team, you will be supporting a 50‑year‑old man with Cerebral Palsy living in his purpose‑built extension. At times, he may become unable to adequately communicate all of his wishes and become frustrated. It is expected that his Personal Assistant will respond positively yet calmly to any request or instruction he may be able to express for himself and to encourage constructive verbal exchange. You should also be aware of his usual wishes and choices when he cannot communicate well, respect when he objects to something or is scared, and recognise that even if he is unable to make you understand at a particular time, he can still understand most of what is said. You will be given training, guidance and support from both his joint welfare deputies.
Main Duties
- Predominantly remain in sight or close to him during a shift in order to recognise verbal and non‑verbal communication promptly, while allowing him private time when it is clear he needs this.
- Work in a relaxed, quiet and professional manner, respectfully supporting him in his daily intimate and personal care according to his routine, expectations, and needs, including some incontinence management.
- Encourage and support his interests and happiness.
- Treat him with respect, accept and support his right to moods and emotions.
- Support and encourage him to access community‑based activities within his wishes.
- As a team, the goal is to enable him to lead a more fulfilling, independent and healthy lifestyle.
- Plan and help with meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner (meals to be planned ahead with Welfare Deputies).
- Keep daily records and administer medication correctly if needed.
- Provide him with all the help he needs to maintain maximum independence and self‑determination in his own home; balance support and assistance with encouragement of tasks (within his wishes on a varying day‑to‑day basis) rather than simply doing tasks for him.
- For example, preparing and presenting meals which he can eat himself at his own pace.
Personal Qualities and Attributes required
- A full current driving licence.
- Flexibility in terms of time and availability.
- A caring attitude, trustworthy and reliable.
- Patience, calmness with empathy for his background and preferences.
- Appearance clean and neat with a friendly, easy‑going manner.
- A sense of humour.
- Ability to work with or without direct supervision, accepting feedback from his Welfare Deputies regarding his care and decisions.
- Willingness and desire to learn, to learn from mistakes and to be open about them.
- Correct handling and positioning of him in his wheelchairs, bed or reclining chair.
- Handling tasks of lifting (by ceiling hoist) and bending, accepting periodic in‑person employer reviews.
- It is not essential to be strong to do this job well, but general good health is important.
- All training and equipment is provided.
Please note that this role may be subject to a DBS check. The employer may also ask for you to supply references. You must be able to prove the right to work in the UK. No sponsorships are available.
Location: Ferndown
Hours
Please indicate on application your typical weekly availability. Shifts subject to agreement, typically an average of two 12‑hour shifts per week. Day shift: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm. Night shift: 9:30 pm – 9:30 am. During induction, when shifts may be shorter and hours different from the final contract, pay will be increased by 12.07% for pay‑in‑lieu of accrued annual leave.
Pay
Paid four‑weekly, from April 2026: Day shift £14.21 /hr. Night shift £12.71 /hr. 20% weekend and bank holiday enhancement applies.
Job Type
Part‑time, employed only. This is not a self‑employed position. Compass Disability Services (Compass Independent Living Team) is a support, advisory and payroll service. We support people with a disability or long‑term health condition to live independently and retain control of their lives within the community. We are not the person that you will work for. You will work for the individual or family that we are supporting.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT / CARER CILR/Dorset/060226 in Ferndown employer: Compass Independent Living
Contact Detail:
Compass Independent Living Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PERSONAL ASSISTANT / CARER CILR/Dorset/060226 in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and the individual you'll be supporting. Research their values and mission, and think about how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves supporting someone with specific communication needs, being able to express yourself clearly and calmly is key. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! Employers love to see a bit of character. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your caring attitude. A sense of humour can go a long way in making connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to meet them.
We think you need these skills to ace PERSONAL ASSISTANT / CARER CILR/Dorset/060226 in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you a great fit for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We love seeing applicants who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for!
Show Your Caring Side: Since this role is all about supporting someone with specific needs, it’s important to convey your caring attitude in your application. Share examples of how you've shown empathy and patience in previous roles or situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Independent Living
✨Know the Individual
Before your interview, take some time to understand the specific needs and preferences of the person you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with Cerebral Palsy and how it may affect communication. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can provide the best support.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss scenarios where patience and empathy are crucial. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging situations with a calm and caring approach. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Show Flexibility and Reliability
Make sure to communicate your availability clearly and demonstrate your willingness to adapt to the individual's needs. Discuss how you can balance being flexible with maintaining a reliable routine, which is essential for the person’s comfort and independence.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the individual you’ll be supporting. This could include inquiries about their daily routines, interests, or how the team collaborates. Asking questions shows that you’re engaged and serious about providing the best care possible.