At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide sighted guidance and support for community activities like swimming and shopping.
- Company: Join a supportive environment helping a blind woman maintain her independence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and mileage reimbursement for driving.
- Other info: 4-7 hours per week with opportunities for holiday and sickness cover.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Must be female, have a full UK driving licence, and be a confident communicator.
The predicted salary is between 14.13 - 14.13 £ per hour.
Job Ref: JI/MM/01/26
Reporting to: Employer
Location: Newcastle under Lyme
Rate of Pay: £13.69 - £14.13 per hour
Nature of the job role: I am a blind woman looking for a female Personal Assistant to support me with day-to-day activities in the community. I am independent and active but require sighted guidance in certain environments. This role does not involve hands-on personal care. However, due to the nature of the support (including shared use of changing facilities), this position is restricted to female applicants as a Genuine Occupational Requirement, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Main Duties:
- Sighted Guidance & Community Support:
- Acting as a sighted guide in public spaces.
- Supporting me to attend activities such as swimming, gym sessions, shopping and other community outings.
- Providing clear verbal and physical guidance to help with orientation and navigation.
- Accompanying me into swimming pools to provide guidance to avoid obstacles and people.
- No physical assistance with washing or dressing is required.
- Providing verbal descriptions where helpful (e.g. description of surroundings or items when shopping).
Personal duties:
- Support with swimming and assisting with orientation in changing rooms (e.g. locating cubicles, lockers, showers).
Domestic duties:
- Any other reasonable duties that may be necessary. I manage most cleaning independently but will ask for support to check the house and garden to ensure hygiene.
Social Duties:
- Happy to support me with additional activities such as gym, clothes or food shopping and other community activities.
- Driving me to activities and appointments (mileage paid at 45p per mile).
- Must be comfortable around dogs.
Other requirements:
- Sighted Guide, able to drive, support with swimming, female due to personal care.
Hours of work: 4–7 hours per week, plus holiday and sickness cover. One weekday evening (Mon–Thu), approx. 3 hours. Some weekend availability (up to 4 hours, even if alternate weekends).
Skills & Experience:
- Female applicant (Genuine Occupational Requirement due to privacy and dignity needs).
- Full UK driving licence.
- Use of own car with business insurance.
- Confident communicator, able to give clear verbal directions.
- Reliable, respectful, and comfortable supporting an active lifestyle.
To apply for this role please send a CV or letter outlining your suitability for the role to PAvacancies@idealforall.co.uk – please quote job reference in your application. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role please call 0121 558 5555 option 1 and speak to a member of the Direct Payment Team.
Personal Assistant (MM) - ST5 employer: Ideal for All
At Ideal for All, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values inclusivity and empowerment. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, providing opportunities for our employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Newcastle under Lyme, we offer flexible working hours and a rewarding environment where you can contribute to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (MM) - ST5
✨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 Ideal for All, 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 Ideal for All. 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 Ideal for All's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (MM) - ST5
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 Ideal for All. 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 Ideal for All.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideal for All
✨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 Ideal for All.
✨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 (MM) - ST5 at Ideal for All.
✨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 Ideal for All that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Personal Assistant (MM) - ST5 role.
