Personal Assistant (Female Only) - AO11BS

Personal Assistant (Female Only) - AO11BS

We are looking for a friendly, caring, reliable and understanding Personal Assistant (PA) to support a young woman living in the Derby area.

The successful applicant will provide personalised support with daily living, personal care, household tasks and social activities, helping the individual maintain her independence and enjoy an active and fulfilling life within her home and community.

The young lady is autistic and has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). An understanding of autism and its potential impact on everyday life would be beneficial. You must also be willing to learn about FND, including its fluctuating nature and how symptoms can vary from day to day.

The role requires a flexible, patient and responsive approach, recognising when the individual needs encouragement and activity, and when rest, recovery and pacing are more appropriate. The young lady is an ambulatory wheelchair user, meaning she can walk at times but may need her wheelchair for support. The wheelchair should always be kept close at hand.

Previous experience in a similar role would be advantageous, but a positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to providing person-centred support are equally important.

Key Responsibilities

Duties will vary according to the individual’s needs and instructions and may include:

Personal and Emotional Support

• Providing companionship, reassurance and emotional support.
• Supporting the planning and participation in meaningful activities.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and engagement in daily life.
• Monitoring wellbeing and raising any concerns with family members as appropriate.
• Supporting the timely management of medication and hydration, in accordance with agreed instructions.
• Providing appropriate support during episodes of altered movement, seizures, weakness, tremors or other neurological symptoms.

Community Access and Daily Activities

• Accompanying her to medical appointments, social events and other activities.
• Supporting shopping trips, errands and other everyday tasks.
• Helping plan meals, shop for ingredients and prepare meals.
• Assisting with car access, including transferring the wheelchair into and out of the vehicle.
• Supporting routine vehicle maintenance arrangements through the Motability scheme.
• Helping to maintain and clean the wheelchair.

Domestic Support

• General cleaning, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping and cleaning rooms.
• Emptying bins and maintaining a clean, tidy environment.
• Making and changing the bed.
• Laundry, drying and ironing clothes.
• Washing up and other routine household tasks.

Mobility and Practical Assistance

• Providing moving and handling assistance when required and in accordance with appropriate training and agreed procedures.
• Assisting with transfers to and from the wheelchair when needed.
• Supporting her to manage daily activities safely while respecting her choices, dignity and independence.

Working with Disabled individuals

This is a one-to-one support role focused on enabling the individual to live as independently as possible in her own home and community.

The successful applicant will understand that the role is to support her needs, rather than make decisions on her behalf. You should feel confident asking questions, listening carefully and following her instructions and preferences.

Building a positive, respectful and trusting working relationship is essential.

You will be expected to:

• Arrive punctually and be ready to work at the agreed time.
• Contact the employer and/or the individual promptly if you expect to be more than 15 minutes late.
• Respect confidentiality, privacy, dignity and personal boundaries at all times.
• Treat the individual’s home, belongings and equipment with care and respect.
• Obtain permission before using household facilities or personal devices, including the telephone, television and radio.
• Clarify any questions or uncertainties before undertaking a task.
• Communicate openly and address any problems promptly and respectfully.
• Work independently when required and collaboratively with family members or others involved in the support arrangements.
• Be flexible, as duties and working hours may vary according to the individual’s needs.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold a current, valid driving licence.
• Be reliable, trustworthy, patient and understanding.
• Be responsible, conscientious and attentive to detail.
• Be able to work independently and use initiative when appropriate.
• Be physically able to undertake the role’s requirements, including moving and handling, subject to appropriate training and agreed procedures.
• Be willing to learn about autism, FND and the individual’s support needs.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and appropriate standards of cleanliness.
• Respect the individual’s independence, choices and right to privacy.
• Be flexible and willing to adapt to changing needs.
• Have the right to work in the UK.

To be discussed at the Interview / Next stage – Competitive rate (dependent on experience)

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