At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a vibrant 7-year-old girl with daily activities and life skills.
- Company: Join a caring family dedicated to Melody's growth and happiness.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50 per hour with flexible hours and meaningful work.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and support from the family.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Melody's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Patience, understanding of sensory needs, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.
Location: Great Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Hours: 13 hours per week (school holidays) with scope to increasing over time to 27 hours per week
Rate of Pay: £13.50 per hour
About Melody:
Melody is a vibrant and beautiful 7-year-old girl who thrives on sensory experiences. She loves her springing chair, bath time, and playing with water. Food brings her great joy—especially when she can combine it with water play! Melody is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay. While she can walk, her mobility is limited, and she primarily uses a buggy. She has no awareness of danger and can become dysregulated when unable to express or meet her needs. During these moments, she may display aggressive behaviours or self-harm (e.g., biting or head banging). Despite these challenges, Melody has a joyful and curious nature. With the right support, she continues to grow and develop new skills every day.
Job Purpose:
We are seeking a caring, calm, and dedicated Female Personal Assistant to support Melody both at home and in the community. We are looking for someone who can offer support for a 24-hour period to allow mum some much-needed time away from home. The ideal candidate will be proactive, patient, and motivated to help Melody learn life skills, stay safe, and feel supported during difficult moments. This role will require school transfers via taxi being managed if mum is on respite breaks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct support to Melody in daily activities at home and outdoors
- Clean up after Melody and help maintain a safe, tidy environment
- Encourage and assist in developing life skills (e.g., eating, dressing, personal care)
- Support toilet training with patience and consistency
- Encourage physical activity such as walking and balancing, while ensuring safety
- Be vigilant to ensure Melody’s safety, particularly due to her lack of danger awareness
- Respond to dysregulation with calmness and patience—support her to self-regulate safely
- Change nappies and support personal hygiene routines
- Support Melody overnight so mum can spend time away from home
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Patient and understanding of sensory and behavioural needs
- Friendly and able to build a positive rapport with Melody and the family
- Calm under pressure, especially during challenging behaviours
- Quick thinking, able to respond effectively to unexpected situations
- Detail-oriented, noticing subtle cues in Melody’s behaviour
- Encouraging, supporting Melody’s independence and development
Additional Information:
- Support and guidance will be provided by the family
- Role involves working closely with the family, respecting their routines and preferences
- There is a genuine occupational requirement for the holder of this post to be female in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and Equality Act 2010 schedule 9 paragraphs 1 – 4.
- This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.
- At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.
Female Personal Assistant – MEHNCL employer: Disability North
Join a compassionate and supportive team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Our flexible working hours allow you to balance your personal commitments while engaging in rewarding activities that foster growth and development for both you and the young person you will support. With a focus on care, trust, and community involvement, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute positively within Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female Personal Assistant – MEHNCL
✨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 Disability North, 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 Disability North. 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 Disability North's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Female Personal Assistant – MEHNCL
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 Disability North. 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 Disability North.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability North
✨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 Disability North.
✨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 Female Personal Assistant – MEHNCL at Disability North.
✨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 Disability North that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Female Personal Assistant – MEHNCL role.
