At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a child with Cerebral Palsy in daily routines and provide companionship.
- Company: Join a caring family in a pet-friendly home.
- Benefits: Earn £20 an hour plus sleep-in pay, flexible hours.
- Other info: Work every other Friday evening and morning, great for students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with complex needs and a valid driver's licence required.
This role is to support a child.
Drivers licence required: Yes
Own vehicle needed: Yes
Employment status: Employed
Hours per week: 8 hours every other week; schedule: Every other Friday 4-10pm for sleep-in (£50) and 7am-9am
Hourly pay rate: Enhanced rate of pay £20 an hour / (sleeping £50)
We are looking for a kind, friendly and reliable Personal Assistant to support our son, who has Cerebral Palsy. The role will begin in early September and involves providing gentle, hands-on support with his evening and morning routines, and being available during the night if he wakes and needs repositioning or comfort. Although his medication and grooming are usually taken care of, there may be times when you’ll need to assist with these tasks.
Your main responsibilities include:
- Being there if he wakes up during the night
- Helping him get comfortable again
- Supporting him in the morning by administering medication (if needed)
- Helping with grooming
- Preparing breakfast
- Assisting him into his chair to start the day
- Helping with bath time
- Spending time with him before bed – he enjoys watching TV as part of his bedtime routine
Experience working with children or young people who have complex needs, particularly those with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy or who are gastrostomy-fed, is essential. We are a pet-friendly household with three dogs, so being comfortable around animals is important.
Key Duties:
- Medication prompting / administering
- Eating and drinking assistance
- Moving and handling
- Clinical tasks
- Other relevant duties as required
- Companionship
- Dressing / undressing
- Bathroom assistance
- Personal care
Candidate Qualities:
- Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
- Able to tolerate the employer smoking in the workplace
- 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
Personal Assistant DP4794 employer: Independent Lives
Contact Detail:
Independent Lives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant DP4794
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who might know someone in the field. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Personal Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for an informal chat! When you get that call or email, be ready to discuss your experience with children who have complex needs. Show us your passion for helping others and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During interviews, let your cheerful and patient nature shine through. We want to see how you connect with the child and how you can create a comfortable environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant DP4794
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Caring Side: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your kindness and reliability, especially when it comes to supporting children with complex needs. We want to see how you connect with others.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to detail any relevant experience you have, particularly with children who have Cerebral Palsy or similar conditions. We love to see examples of how you've provided hands-on support in the past, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Flexibility: Since this role involves specific hours and responsibilities, emphasise your availability and willingness to adapt. Mention your ability to work during the required times and how you can manage the night shifts comfortably.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Lives
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant for a child with complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like medication prompting and personal care, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with these duties.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a kind and friendly approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in previous roles. Whether it’s working with children or supporting individuals with special needs, highlight your interpersonal skills and your ability to connect with others.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Pets
Since this is a pet-friendly household, it’s important to express your comfort around animals. If you have any experience caring for pets or working in a pet-friendly environment, mention it! This will show that you’re a good fit for their home environment.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the child's routine, the family’s expectations, or any specific challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.