At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily activities and assist with personal care in a varied role.
- Company: Join Ruth, an innovative employer in Cambridge, dedicated to empowering young talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working patterns, food and accommodation provided, plus 14 days off each month!
- Other info: Residential work pattern allows for travel and personal projects during time off.
- Why this job: Gain unique skills, confidence, and experience that will boost your future career prospects.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just be friendly, organised, and eager to learn.
Graduate / Gap Year – Practical Assistant / Personal Aide Job Types: Fixed-Term Contract; Graduate; Internship Contract Length: 4 – 12 months Pay: £25,000 – £34,000 per year On clicking apply, you will be redirected to my recruitment website where you can find out more information and submit your application. This is a fantastic opportunity for: * A new graduate seeking time to plan your next career steps * Someone here in the UK on a working holiday visa * A student taking a gap year before or after university About You You are bright, talented and capable and you could become one of the people who make up a team of PAs who makes my busy life practical. You don't necessarily need to have any specific previous experience. You enjoy being active, outgoing and friendly, and helpful. You are organised, practical and self-motivated, with observation skills and the ability to think ahead. Your friends can always rely on you. You may not yet have as much confidence as you feel you need, but you are thoughtful and good with people, and you ask questions and enjoy learning. You are looking for the opportunity that will make you competitive in your future career. Right now, you need to earn money but at the same time you want to take a positive next step. You might also want time for travel, volunteering, or a personal project. Why This Job Is For You This role will give you a unique opportunity to gain skills that don’t come from a classroom. In this job, you get at least 14 days off per month (yes, you read that right – per month!) and you can be based or living anywhere within a few hours travel of Cambridge because you will only travel to work once every two weeks, staying for several days at a time before going home again. You need to be able to commit for at least four months, and the longest anyone stays is one year. NOTE: This role has an unusual flexible and residential work pattern, and due to its nature, there are eligibility criteria which are Genuine Occupational Requirements under the Equality Act 2010. Please read the further information on my recruitment website to ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying. You can only apply directly from the website. About Me I am an Independent Employer in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. I am supportive, innovative and bold. My goal is to develop the careers of certain young people who each spend up to one year supporting me. While I lead a full and happy personal and professional life without letting my physical disability stand in the way, you gain skills, knowledge and confidence that will set you up for a brilliant onward career, in whatever you want it to be! The work environment includes: * Food and accommodation provided while on duty * Loads of time off (two weeks per month!) * Growth and career development opportunities * A stepping stone to many different careers * Positive about Youth Employment I am an educated professional in my forties. I am a Civil and Commercial Mediator, resolving people's disputes before they get to court, and I also runs a small engineering social enterprise which provides technology for disabled people. I have a sense of humour and a can-do approach, which is necessary for me to achieve as much as I do. I live with my husband and our energetic dog, and when we are not working, we lead a busy, happy and active home life too. I do everything that anyone else in my position does, but the difference is that I live my life with a physical disability that means I am extremely weak. I use a powerchair and I need to have someone alongside me (you!) at all times to help me with the simple things that my condition prevents me from doing for myself. Basically, this job is to lend me your arms and legs and use your brain to make it all look easy! It's a role which is very varied, and you can make as much of it as you wish. The foundation of this role is providing personal care and support for my health and fitness, but it also involves being alongside me as I do my job. There's cooking and stuff in my home, and I will rely upon you to organise things so it is physically and practically possible to do everything I want, and in doing so you will gain valuable experience and insight for your future career, whatever that may be. The residential working pattern of this job means that you live-in day and night for up to five nights at a time, and then you have twice as much time away from work. You can be paid a regular salary for committing to this, or you can work on a zero-hours basis and choose when you work. During each shift you stay with me in my home, or accompany me wherever I go, to be available as and when I need help. Currently recruiting for graduates to start in Spring / Summer 2027. Application deadline: Friday, 30th October 2026
Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton employer: Ruth Meredith Assistants
As an Independent Employer in Cambridge, Ruth offers a unique and supportive work environment that prioritises personal growth and career development for young individuals. With generous time off, inclusive accommodation, and the opportunity to gain practical skills while making a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for those looking to enhance their future career prospects while enjoying a flexible lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ruth Meredith Assistants.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ruth Meredith Assistants!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ruth Meredith Assistants, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ruth Meredith Assistants or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ruth Meredith Assistants:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ruth Meredith Assistants! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ruth Meredith Assistants
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
