At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a joyful 7-year-old with daily activities and personal care.
- Company: A caring family looking for a compassionate Personal Assistant.
- Benefits: Earn £14.50 per hour, flexible hours, and training provided.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities to learn and grow.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while having fun outdoors.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring kindness and a calm attitude.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 € per year.
Client Overview
O is nearly 7 years old and loves musical toys and lights. He has a chromosomal disorder leading to global developmental delay and low tone. He also has chronic lung disease so needs assistance with BiPAP ventilation at night and when tired. He is non‑verbal and unable to sit, stand or mobilise without support, using a wheelchair and specialist seating. O makes his feelings very clear when he is happy or sad, and loves to laugh at repetitive songs and anticipatory games. O eats a pureed diet and loves all tasty food, with water given via gastrostomy. Clients need help with travel from home to school (and back) as well as support in the school holidays. Possible days out during the school holidays – we live near the estuary and there are some lovely paths for walks by the water.
Hours and Rate of Pay
- Rate of Pay: £14.50 per hour
- Hours: 3 hours a day in 2x1.5 hour shifts Monday‑Friday in term time
- 8 hours/week in school holidays
Location
Heybridge Basin
DBS / Checks
Confirmation of DBS check required. Right to Work and references will be needed.
Responsibilities
- Personal care including changing pads, feeding via mouth and gastrostomy, applying BiPAP ventilator when needed, monitoring for seizures.
- Assisting with washing, dressing and managing glasses and hearing aids.
- Positioning in bed or chair; client is currently lifted between bed and chair, plans to add hoists to the property.
- Ensuring safety on journey to and from school; during school holidays assisting with personal care and helping O to engage with activities, books and toys.
- Currently a mobile hoist is used, no ramp; client is lifted in and out of the property (2 steps), but a ramp is expected by end of the year.
Qualifications / Experience
No experience necessary. Experience with children with medical needs or sensory/learning needs desirable. Training will be provided on medical equipment and feeding. No need to drive for this role, but limited public transport means driver may be required to attend shifts.
Personality Fit
Someone kind, caring and calm in an emergency. Happy to fit into a busy family life and enjoys finding joy and fun in daily life. Enjoys getting outdoors; O loves the sun and gets down to the river and kicks his feet in the cool water.
Application
Please send a CV (with 2 references) and a covering letter explaining why you would suit this role.
* Sponsorship is not available for this role *
* No agencies please *
Personal Assistant (PA) Support Worker-PUR- 397-482 employer: Purple DPSS
As a Personal Assistant Support Worker, you will be part of a compassionate and supportive team dedicated to enhancing the life of a wonderful child. Our work culture prioritises kindness and collaboration, offering you the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible hours that fit around your schedule. With opportunities for training and personal growth, this role not only allows you to contribute positively to O's life but also fosters your own development in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (PA) Support Worker-PUR- 397-482
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the client and their needs! Before your interview, spend some time researching about children with similar conditions. This will help you understand O's world better and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since O is non-verbal, being able to communicate effectively with him and his family is key. Think about how you can express kindness and understanding through your actions and body language.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your caring and calm nature shine through. Share stories or experiences that highlight your ability to connect with children and handle emergencies with grace.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate individuals who want to make a positive impact in O's life!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (PA) Support Worker-PUR- 397-482
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised CV:Make sure your CV reflects your personality and highlights any relevant experience, even if it's not directly related. We want to see who you are and how you can connect with O!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share why you're passionate about supporting children like O. Tell us about your caring nature and how you can bring joy to his daily life. Keep it genuine and heartfelt!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Since this role requires kindness and calmness, make sure to mention any experiences that demonstrate these traits. We love to see how you handle challenges and create fun moments!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Purple DPSS
✨Know Your Client
Familiarise yourself with O's needs and interests. Understanding his love for musical toys and lights, as well as his medical requirements, will show your commitment to providing the best support. This knowledge can help you connect with the family during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Caring Nature
Demonstrate your kindness and calmness, especially in emergency situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy or handled challenging situations with a positive attitude. This will resonate well with the family looking for someone who fits into their busy life.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you can adapt to the family's routine and O's changing needs. Mention any previous experiences where you've had to adjust your approach to meet someone's specific requirements, especially in a caregiving context.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about O's daily routines, favourite activities, or how they envision your role fitting into their family life. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand their expectations better.
