At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a friendly woman with daily tasks and provide companionship.
- Company: Join a compassionate household that values support and friendship.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour with flexible hours and a relaxed work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to build meaningful connections.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be reliable, patient, and comfortable around pets.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
18 hours per week. Times can be flexible between 9.30am and 5.30pm. Hourly pay rate: £12.71 per hour.
I am a 43-year-old woman looking for a friendly, reliable Personal Assistant to provide daytime support and companionship. I have ongoing nerve damage in my right leg following surgery, which has significantly affected my mobility and sensation. More recently, I have undergone spinal surgery related to this condition, and while I am recovering, I currently need additional support with daily tasks and general day-to-day living.
As part of my recovery, I do need to rest and sleep during the day. Because of this, it’s important that you are comfortable working independently when needed - for example, getting on with household tasks or organising things without needing constant direction, rather than waiting for me to wake up.
Alongside practical support, I’m really looking for someone who can offer social interaction and companionship. I spend a lot of time on my own, so having someone friendly, approachable, and easy to chat with would make a big difference.
I also have a 17-year-old daughter, so you’ll need to be comfortable spending time around a teenager and respecting family dynamics. Occasional driving may be required, but only if I am unable to drive myself. You would not be expected to drive at all times.
We also have two dogs, one of whom is on the larger side. They are friendly and a big part of our household. One dog goes out daily with a dog walker, but it’s essential that any PA is comfortable around dogs - this role wouldn’t suit someone who dislikes them.
If you’re compassionate, proactive, and happy to support someone in a relaxed home environment while they recover, I’d love to hear from you.
Duties include:
- Other relevant duties as required
- Administration
- Housekeeping
- Shopping
- Cooking
- Transportation
- Companionship
- Accompanying employer to doctors/hospital appointments when required
The above duties will involve driving the employer in their car if/when they are unable to drive and may involve lifting the folding wheelchair in/out of car, pushing the employer’s wheelchair when out. Alternatively, I would use crutches - most of the time I use crutches.
Candidate qualities:
- 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
- Creative
- Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
- Must be comfortable with pets
- Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
- Able to tolerate the employer vaping in the workplace
- Must have a UK driving license and be willing to drive my car if I am unable to
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.
If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.
Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Read more in Crawley Down employer: Independent lives
As a Personal Assistant for domestic support, you will find a rewarding role that values your reliability and interpersonal skills in a supportive home environment. Our work culture prioritises respect, confidentiality, and understanding, particularly for those with autism and ADHD, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible hours. With opportunities for personal growth and a focus on high standards of health and safety, this position offers a unique chance to contribute positively to someone's daily life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more in Crawley Down
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more in Crawley Down
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Independent lives, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Independent lives, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Independent lives understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent lives
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Independent lives from the get-go!
