At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide companionship and support to a lovely elderly lady in Galashiels.
- Company: Join a caring community focused on enhancing the lives of seniors.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference while enjoying engaging conversations and shared experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in personal care and a warm, friendly attitude.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to build relationships and work independently.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
A bright and characterful elderly lady living in sheltered housing in Galashiels is looking for a friendly and experienced Relief Personal Assistant to provide cover on an ad‑hoc basis when her regular PA is on annual leave or unwell. She enjoys good company and loves sharing stories and memories of life in Galashiels. She would welcome someone who enjoys conversation, has a good sense of humour, and is happy to spend time chatting over a coffee. Occasional support with personal care may be required, along with help to get out and about in the community when the weather allows. This role would suit someone who is warm, patient, and confident, and who enjoys building positive relationships while offering practical and respectful support.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities
- Support the client to maintain her safety, wellbeing, and independence
- Provide personal care support as and when required, including occasional showering and hair washing
- Offer person‑centred support that reflects the client’s interests and preferences
- Enjoy friendly conversation and companionship, including reminiscing and shared activities
- Support outings for coffee and cake, either using a wheelchair or by car
- Assist with bringing in shopping when required
- Maintain confidentiality, dignity, and professional boundaries at all times
Personal Attributes
- Kind, caring, and respectful
- Patient, cheerful, and good‑hearted
- Confident, reliable, and trustworthy
- Able to use initiative and work independently
- Comfortable working in someone’s home and respecting their privacy
Terms
- Hours: Up to 5 hours per week (relief cover only)
- Working pattern: Flexible days and times, to be agreed
- Pay rate: £13.20 per hour
- Expenses: Mileage and agreed expenses paid when supporting the client outwith the home
- Holiday entitlement: 5.6 weeks annual leave pro rata
- Probationary period: 6 months
- Appointment subject to: Satisfactory PVG and references
Companion/Personal Assistant (relief) – Galashiels – 3023 employer: Encompass
Contact Detail:
Encompass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Companion/Personal Assistant (relief) – Galashiels – 3023
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation and its values. This will help you connect with the elderly lady and show that you genuinely care about her wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your conversation skills! Since this role involves chatting and sharing stories, it’s a good idea to brush up on your storytelling abilities. Think of some interesting anecdotes or questions to keep the conversation flowing.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you meet the elderly lady, let your warm and cheerful side shine through. A good sense of humour can go a long way in building a positive relationship, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to apply for this role directly. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about joining our team and helping out in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Companion/Personal Assistant (relief) – Galashiels – 3023
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 customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Mention your ability to provide companionship and support, as well as your sense of humour!
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working with elderly clients and building meaningful relationships. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in someone’s life!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Encompass
✨Know Your Client
Before the interview, take some time to learn about the elderly lady you'll be assisting. Familiarise yourself with Galashiels and its community. This will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in her life and experiences.
✨Showcase Your Personality
This role requires a warm and friendly approach, so let your personality shine through. Be prepared to share a bit about yourself, your interests, and why you enjoy working with elderly clients. A good sense of humour can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some light-heartedness!
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Think about specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to provide personal care and companionship. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar situations, especially when it comes to maintaining dignity and respect while offering support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the client’s needs. Ask about her favourite activities, what she enjoys chatting about, or how she likes to spend her time. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you understand how to provide the best support.