Personal Assistant REF: SOLONTR

Info

Position Title: Personal Assistant

Location: Ipswich (IP6)

Hourly Rate: £14 Weekdays £16 Weekends Sat/Sun

Hours Per Week: current shifts available are:

Week 1

Wednesday: 7am - 1pm (Day)

Saturday: 7am - 1pm (Day) OR 12pm-9pm (Afternoon/Evening)*

Sunday 8pm - 8am (Night)

Week 2

Wednesday 7am - 1pm (Day)

Saturday 8pm - 8am (Night)

Sunday 8pm - 8am (Night)

*These shifts could be split differently after negotiation

Potential applicants will need to be able to do at least 2 shifts per week with flexibility to cover other shifts as and when needed.

Vacancy Type: Permanent

Job Reference: SOLONTR

ABOUT THE ROLE

I live in my own home, in area IP6 and have a diagnosis of generalised dystonia and autism. I therefore need support with all my daily living tasks including personal care and all transfers. I have an active mind and like to make my own choices and decisions with support when necessary. Whilst I spend most of the day in my wheelchair, I am hoping to get a recliner chair to suit my posture so I can be more comfortable when not partaking in activities.

I like to have a purpose each day and so need my Personal Assistants to be willing to go places whilst being supportive and understanding of my needs. I have a keen interest in the game Boccia, and this is very important to me. I attend several games and tournaments throughout each year and will require my PAs to be able to support me with this as it will include some travel/stays away from home. I also own a dog and a pony that I care for and love, so anyone supporting me needs to be an animal lover.

I want Personal Assistants who enjoy going out as I like to visit different places of interest. I will also need to be supported to attend medical appointments so being able to drive is essential. I have a mobility car as public transport is not suitable to where I live.

I am looking to recruit a team of Personal Assistants who can

• support me with day-to-day living 
• support me to access the local community and surrounding areas
• support me to attend my Boccia games and tournaments
• support me with my emotional well-being, personal care needs
• support me to overcome situations that at times can cause me anxiety

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will live locally to me, be flexible, patient, have a calm presence and a genuine caring nature. You will need to be enthusiastic and inspiring to bring a sense of energy into my life. You must also be able to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and integrity, promoting my independence and respecting my family and my new home.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Candidates must be female and have previous experience of supporting clients with mobility requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of generalised dystonia and autism would be beneficial, however full training will be given to the successful candidate.
• At set times during the day a second or third PA will be available to support with transfers due to me requiring a hoist.
• Rotas are planned and agreed in advance. Anyone looking to apply needs to consider that my hours of support may change from time to time so you will need to be flexible to be able to accommodate this.
• Successful applicants will provide cover for their colleagues for Annual Leave or sickness on a pro-rata basis.

All training is paid for including the hours to complete the necessary training. An in-depth training package will be delivered to my team to support you to understand how to care for me and to meet my needs.

BENEFITS

In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive rate of pay in addition to:

• 5.6 weeks holiday per year (pro-rata for part-time positions)
• Company pension scheme subject to the scheme rules
• Opportunity to join our Cash Back Health Plan, after successful probation period

SAFER RECRUITMENT

All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and are exempt from the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, any offer of employment will be conditional pending receipt of satisfactory references (see our Safer Recruitment Policy for more information).

SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT

Solo Support Services recognises that everyone has the right to be safe from abuse and neglect. We will actively promote the safety, health and well-being of everyone in our care by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate within the organisation. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.