At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a sociable 17-year-old in enjoying life, attending football games and social activities.
- Company: A rewarding role with a focus on personal growth and independence.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, flexible hours during term time and holidays.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment where you can build lasting friendships and support independence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young man's life while having fun together.
- Qualifications: Must be trustworthy, caring, and able to drive an adapted vehicle.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Could you be the right Personal Assistant for a young man? A rewarding role supporting a 17-year-old to enjoy life his way.
Meet the Young Man
This friendly 17-year-old may be shy at first, but loves company and enjoys being sociable. He is very passionate about football, supports Middlesbrough and goes to all their games. He also plays powerchair football for Middlesbrough and represents Northern Ireland internationally. He has a busy, active lifestyle, is currently at college and wants to enjoy the same experiences as other young people his age. He loves spending time with close friends, enjoys trying different foods, going out and being “one of the lads”. There also needs to be quiet time for gaming. He does not want his disability to stop him from experiencing life and is looking for someone who will support him to try new things, build confidence and enjoy greater independence.
The Role
Your support will help spend time with friends, attend football and social activities, and enjoy the experiences that matter to him. This could include:
- Watching football in all weather conditions
- Going to festivals, concerts and, in time, pubs and nightclubs
- Days out and activities with friends
- Trying different foods and exploring new experiences
- Supporting his independence while helping him feel safe and confident
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
Building Trust
At first, you will spend time getting to know him, shadowing and developing a positive relationship based on trust. The aim is to become a reliable personal assistant who understands him as an individual and go on to support him to live a full, active life.
Practical Support
- Support with eating, depending on the environment
- Support with all aspects of personal care
- Moving and handling; training will be provided
Are you the right person?
You need to be a supportive companion as well as a dependable support worker—someone who has respect and encouragement. You will be:
- Trustworthy and able to build a genuine relationship
- Comfortable around Olly (a cocker spaniel) in the house
- Respectful of his choices, privacy and independence
- Reliable and consistent
- Understanding, patient and willing to listen
- Caring, positive and encouraging
- Comfortable supporting a sociable 17-year-old with an active lifestyle
- Willing to join in with football, social events and age-appropriate activities
Requirements
- You must be able to drive, as you will be required to drive an adapted vehicle
- A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references will be required
If you are warm, dependable and ready to support a young man experience life on his own terms, this could be a genuinely rewarding role for you.
Personal Assistant employer: Darlington Association on Disability
As a dedicated employer in the Darlington area, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for our personal assistants. Our flexible hours and competitive pay reflect our commitment to valuing your contributions while providing opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community. Join us in making a positive impact in the life of a young boy with Autism, where your role is not just a job, but a rewarding experience that fosters personal growth and development.
Contact Details:
Darlington Association on Disability Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Darlington Association on Disability, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Darlington Association on Disability. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Darlington Association on Disability's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Darlington Association on Disability. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Darlington Association on Disability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Association on Disability
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Darlington Association on Disability.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Personal Assistant at Darlington Association on Disability.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Darlington Association on Disability that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Personal Assistant role.
