At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support for a vibrant young adult with learning disabilities and epilepsy.
- Company: A caring family looking for a supportive Personal Assistant.
- Benefits: Meaningful role, training provided, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive family environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a fun-loving individual in exciting activities and help him live life to the fullest.
- Qualifications: Caring, reliable, and willing to learn; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are looking for a kind, reliable and enthusiastic Personal Assistant / Support Worker to provide one‑to‑one support for our 19‑year‑old son with learning disabilities and complex epilepsy. This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys helping another person get the most out of life while staying safe, supported and included.
Our son is full of life and loves being out and about. He enjoys football, cricket, pool, darts, visiting animals and spending time outdoors. He has a great sense of fun, a big smile and a real enthusiasm for the things he enjoys. We are looking for someone who can share in those moments, encourage him, and help make his days active, enjoyable and meaningful.
About the role
You will support him at home and in the community, helping him take part in activities he enjoys, stay safe, follow routines and build confidence. The role may include going out for social activities, supporting communication and choices, providing reassurance and helping him manage day‑to‑day situations in a calm and positive way. Experience supporting someone with learning disabilities, epilepsy or complex needs would be helpful, but it is not essential. Training and guidance can be provided, including epilepsy awareness and what to do in an emergency. What matters most is that you are caring, attentive, trustworthy and willing to learn.
Key qualities we are looking for
- Warm, patient and reliable
- Energetic and happy to be out in the community
- Confident supporting someone one‑to‑one
- A good communicator who can follow guidance
- Calm, observant and able to respond responsibly if support needs change
- Respectful, caring and committed to helping him live life to the fullest
What we offer
- A meaningful and enjoyable one‑to‑one support role
- Training and clear guidance
- Support from the family
- The chance to make a real difference in a young adult's life
- Regular agreed hours, with details to be confirmed
Duties include
- Medication prompting/administering
- Personal grooming
- Eating and drinking assistance
- Other relevant duties as required
- Transportation
- Companionship
- Dressing / undressing
- Bathroom assistance
- Accessing social and leisure activities (e.g., walks, park, swimming, clubs, days out, cinema)
Additional requirements
- Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
- Reliable with good timekeeping
- Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
- Hygienic, tidy and well organised
- Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
- Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Honest and cheerful
- Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
- Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
Preference may be given to applicants who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Careful consideration will be given to applicants who can show the vaccination is not suitable for them on reasonable grounds. Non‑smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours.
Legal and EEO statements
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. We are a disability‑confident employer and will offer an interview to any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations, the number of interviews offered may be limited for both disabled and non‑disabled applicants.
Personal Assistant / Support Worker for a Young Adult NDS8543 in Chichester employer: Independent Lives
Join a compassionate and supportive family environment where your role as a Personal Assistant / Support Worker will truly make a difference in the life of a vibrant young adult. We offer a rewarding opportunity with regular hours, comprehensive training, and the chance to engage in enjoyable activities that promote independence and joy. Our commitment to employee growth and a respectful work culture ensures you will feel valued and empowered while helping our son live life to the fullest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant / Support Worker for a Young Adult NDS8543 in Chichester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Independent Lives.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Independent Lives!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Independent Lives, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Independent Lives or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant / Support Worker for a Young Adult NDS8543 in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Independent Lives:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Independent Lives! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Lives
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
