At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young adult with autism in community activities and voluntary work placements.
- Company: Join Purple DPSS, a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour with flexible part-time hours and full training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with family members in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Friendly, patient, and sociable individuals are encouraged to apply; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
A young adult with autism, temporal lobe epilepsy and associated learning difficulties is looking for a Personal Assistant to provide support with voluntary work placements and accessing the local community. He thrives with routine, structure and the support of calm, reliable and friendly people. He enjoys football and animated films and benefits from support that promotes independence, confidence and community involvement.
His support is coordinated and managed by his mother, who will arrange his schedule, liaise with the successful applicant and provide ongoing guidance to ensure his support remains consistent, person-centred and responsive to his needs. This role would suit someone who is happy to work closely with family members as part of a wider support network.
Hours and rate of pay:
- 9 hours per week minimum.
- Most weeks, approximately 6 hours will be worked on the same day, between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
- Support is required across Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, although applicants do not need to be available on all of these days.
- £12.71 per hour.
Location: Great Barr, Sandwell and Birmingham areas.
DBS/Checks: Confirmation of DBS check, Right to Work and references will be needed.
Supporting a young adult to attend and participate in voluntary work placements includes:
- Assistance with travel, providing prompts and reminders when required, and helping him remain focused on tasks.
What you would be doing:
- Providing support to access community activities such as the cinema, social groups and other leisure activities, while encouraging confidence.
- Acting as a trusted and supportive presence for a vulnerable young adult who may require assistance managing money, travel passes and personal belongings when out in the community.
- Providing companionship, conversation and reassurance in a friendly and supportive manner, helping him feel safe, valued and included.
Full training and ongoing support will be provided. We are looking for someone who is friendly, reliable, patient, calm and sociable, with a genuine interest in supporting autistic individuals. Experience supporting people with autism, learning difficulties or epilepsy would be beneficial, although not essential, as training and ongoing support will be provided.
The person I would like:
- A driver with access to a vehicle and appropriate business insurance would be advantageous; however, applicants willing to use public transport are also encouraged to apply.
- The ideal candidate will have a person-centred approach, be keen to learn and be committed to supporting a young adult to develop independence, maintain routines and access opportunities within the community.
Sponsorship is not available for this role.
Company: Purple DPSS
Salary: Meets national minimum wage
Hours: Part-time
Location: Sandwell
Working pattern: On-site
Job type: Permanent
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA)-PUR-554-086 employer: Purple DPSS
Purple Dpss is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a flexible work schedule that accommodates evenings and weekends, staff enjoy a supportive and fun work culture that fosters personal growth and confidence-building for both clients and employees. Working in West Bromwich offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse social activities, ensuring every day is rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA)-PUR-554-086
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Purple DPSS, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Purple DPSS. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Purple DPSS's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA)-PUR-554-086
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Purple DPSS. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Purple DPSS.
How to prepare for a job interview at Purple DPSS
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Purple DPSS.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA)-PUR-554-086 at Purple DPSS.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Purple DPSS that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA)-PUR-554-086 role.