At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a gentleman with learning disabilities in his home and community.
- Company: Join Oaklea, a caring organisation dedicated to making a positive impact on lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy £17.89/hour, 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and a £500 joining bonus!
- Other info: Flexible shifts and on-call support for personal growth and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience and training in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and a full driving licence.
Job Title: Personal Assistant - (Care/Support)
Town/City: Kendal, Cumbria
Salary Details: £17.89 per hour plus excellent benefits
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 11 hours per week
(On-call support required up to 6 weeks per year)
Driver: Essential
Closing date: 20th July 2025
Oaklea are looking for new Personal Assistants to join our team in Kendal to support a pleasant gentleman with learning disabilities in his own home. Experience is desirable but not essential as the ideal candidate will have a good work ethic and excellent values and full training will be given.
This role is primarily one of providing companionship to a gentleman and by following his care plan enabling him to fulfil his hobbies and interests both within his home and within the local community. It will include guidance with meal preparation and occasionally the administration of emergency oral medication.
Experience of supporting an individual with epilepsy is desirable although full training is provided to new employees to ensure they are equipped to support this person correctly and safely with his health needs.
Communication, organisation and paperwork are important keys factors for this role as is energy, values, enthusiasm and vigour are essential in order to support this individual to live a fulfilled life.
Supporting someone with their daily life is not a 9-5 job. You will need to be able to work across a range of different days andshift patterns. We realise that your quality time is important too, so your rota is prepared well in advance–got a request, something special going on? Your manager will certainly try to help you meet it.
You do not need to have experience but it is essential that you share our values. As long as you have a positive attitude and want to improve the lives of those with a learning disability, we will support you with progression opportunities throughout your career with us. Full driving licence is essential.
An Enhanced DBS will be required for each successful candidate (Paid for by Oaklea, T&Cs apply*)
Benefits
As well as knowing that what we do is making a positive difference to people’s lives, you will receive fair pay and have access to a wide range of rewards and benefits as one of our employees.
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) increasing with long service.
- £500 cash incentive for joining Oaklea (paid on completion of 6 months probationary period)
- Service related sick pay when 6-month probation is completed
- Pension contributions into NEST Scheme on a salary sacrifice basis meaning NI savings
- Private Health Care scheme funded by Oaklea.
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Award scheme and recognition at every 5 years
- Access to foundation and bespoke training and development
*T&C\'s apply based on contract
**On-call support is in place when family are taking respite. The on-call service is used should the gentleman in question have a seizure outside of his routine support hours. In these instances, an ambulance will be dispatched to the clients home. The PA on-call will be required to travel to the gentleman’s home and act as advocate for the gentleman to advise that he does not need to go to hospital, where this is the case. The PA will also support until the gentleman is feeling well again. Hourly rate will be paid for each hour spent supporting (This will be paid on top of the on-call set rate). Call outs are not frequent.
#J-18808-LjbffrPersonal Assistants – Kendal Cumbria employer: Right2work
Oaklea is an exceptional employer located in Kendal, Cumbria, dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we offer competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive training opportunities to support your career growth. Our supportive work culture values your input and flexibility, ensuring that you can balance your personal commitments while making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistants – Kendal Cumbria
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Right2work who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Right2work can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistants – Kendal Cumbria
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Right2work and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Right2work see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Right2work
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Right2work.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Right2work about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Right2work supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.