At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate support to a woman with complex medical conditions in her daily life.
- Company: Join a supportive team in Whitehaven, making a real difference in someone's life.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and a chance to work with a friendly dog.
- Other info: Opportunity for additional hours and training funded by the employer.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding role that offers personal growth and meaningful connections.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a willingness to learn about medical conditions.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are looking for a warm, reliable Personal Assistant to join an existing support package for a 34‑year‑old woman living in the Whitehaven area with her husband and their dog. She works part‑time (Monday–Thursday) and is seeking an additional PA to complement her current support. One PA is providing 16hrs per week support and an opportunity has arisen for a new PA to provide 4hrs per week, potentially increasing to 6hrs per week, subject to confirmation.
The lady has complex medical conditions including autism, ADHD and non‑epileptic seizures and is looking for someone who is the same gender, patient, good‑humoured, and comfortable around dogs. Experience supporting someone with chronic pain would be welcomed, but is not essential.
You will provide person‑centred support both at home and in the community, including assistance during periods of distress or confusion. You’ll work alongside the lady’s husband, sharing some caring responsibilities and responding appropriately in medical or challenging situations. Swearing will occur in conversation, and you should feel comfortable with this.
Tasks required include:
- Support with showering/bath and getting dressed
- Prompting and encouragement with taking medication, eating, drinking and going to the toilet
- Driving to appointments, social activities and work
- Support to volunteer at Rainbows (You will not be expected to help with the activities or the children unless it’s to directly help the lady complete tasks.)
- Drive to exercise classes and support at the beginning and the end of the classes
- Support to make meals
- Supporting with basic household chores
- Keeping the lady company
- Ensuring her safety during a seizure or asthma attack – administering reliever inhaler if the lady stops breathing during a seizure if her husband is not available to help.
Successful applicant will:
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car with appropriate business insurance
- Be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check for both adults and children (due to the support provided at Rainbows)
- Be open to learning about the lady’s conditions to provide the best possible support and be prepared to complete training within the first 12 months, including:
- First aid (including seizures)
- Autism awareness
- Safeguarding
- Manual handling
Applicants with these qualifications will be an advantage, however training courses will be funded by the employer.
Hours Available:
This position offers 4 hours per week, with the main contracted shift on Tuesdays. Flexibility can be discussed, and weekly rotas are used to support this.
Primary shifts (Tuesday):
- 07:30–09:30 (2 hours) – support with dressing and helping prepare for work
- After 4pm (2 hours flexible and times will be agreed in advance via the weekly rota) – for support with showering/bathing and dressing (this will change to after 3pm for 4hrs on a Tuesday evening if additional hours are agreed to include support with attending physio appointments/classes)
Additional cover (occasional):
- Morning support Monday–Thursday (approximately 07:30–09:30) to assist with preparation for work
- Wednesday evenings (4:30–7:30pm) during term time to support volunteering at Rainbows
- Thursday afternoons/evenings (3:45–7:00pm) to attend a weekly Pilates class
- Friday daytime hours between 10:00am–5:00pm
Job Types: Part‑time, Permanent
Personal Assistant employer: UDirect Support
Contact Detail:
UDirect Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the person you'll be supporting. Research autism and ADHD to show you care about providing the best support. This will help you stand out in interviews!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since swearing is part of the conversation, be ready to engage in a relaxed manner. Show that you can handle challenging situations with good humour.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical scenarios during interviews. Think about how you'd respond in medical emergencies or when providing personal care. This shows you're ready for the real deal!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your warmth and good humour. Remember, this role is all about connecting with someone who needs support, so a genuine approach will go a long way.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description. If you've got experience with complex medical conditions or supporting individuals with autism or ADHD, shout about it! We love seeing how you can bring value to our team.
Show Your Flexibility: Since the hours can vary, it’s a good idea to mention your flexibility in your application. Let us know when you’re available and how you can adapt to the needs of the lady you’ll be supporting. This shows that you’re committed and ready to jump in where needed!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UDirect Support
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks and responsibilities, especially those related to supporting someone with complex medical conditions. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
As a Personal Assistant, you'll need to be warm and patient. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy, especially in challenging situations. Be ready to discuss how you would handle distress or confusion, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Prepared for Real-Life Scenarios
During the interview, you might be asked how you'd respond to specific scenarios, like assisting during a seizure or managing challenging behaviour. Prepare by thinking through these situations and how you would react calmly and effectively. This will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the hours can vary, it's important to show that you're flexible and willing to adapt. Discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you've had to adjust your schedule to meet someone's needs. This will reassure them that you're committed to providing the best support possible.