Experienced Personal Assistant - MGLNCL

Disability North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Personal Assistant to support a 27-year-old man with complex care needs in the home and during outings. The role requires a patient, calm and attentive approach, willingness to learn hoisting, transfers and night support, and a valid driver's license with experience in wheelchair-adapted vehicles.

Hours are 20-24 per week at £16.00 per hour. Applicant must have the right to work in the U.K.

Qualifications

• Patient and attentive, able to follow directions and maintain calm under pressure.
• Willing to learn hoisting, transfers and night support techniques.
• Able to understand and adapt to non-verbal communication methods used by the son.

Responsibilities

• Provide overnight and daytime personal assistance at home and during outings.
• Learn and apply the son's communication methods and preferences.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality; maintain a supportive, safe, and engaging environment.

Skills

Patience and calm demeanor

Non-verbal communication

Tools

Wheelchair vehicle driving

Job description

Hours: 20-24 hours per week, day shifts, waking night shifts and respite.

Rate of Pay: £16.00 per hour

Area: Newcastle upon Tyne

A driver experienced in driving large wheelchair adapted vehicles is essential

The purpose of this role is to support my 27-year-old son. My son is an upbeat and sociable young man who enjoys being around people whether this is direct interaction (he enjoys having his arms or head gently tickled and likes to return the favour and loves it when people chat with him) or simply people watching. He likes being out and about (health permitting) and enjoys the cinema, going to the beach and is always interested in what is going on around him. He has a mischievous sense of humour and likes to tease people when he is in a playful mood. In the house he loves sensory toys, musical toys, CBeebies and company.

My son needs his Personal Assistants to be patient, calm and attentive but silly with it, a bit of silliness will always raise a smile. He communicates by pointing with his hands and with his eyes, you will be left in no doubt if he wants you to leave him alone! He will also vocalise. It is very important that you take the time to learn his methods of communication so you can understand him. You also need to always remember that he can understand more than he can communicate so you need to be mindful of what is discussed in front of him. My son must not be exposed to shouting or raised voices, especially in his home, as this will distress him. If you are providing overnight support and go into his room through night, even if he is awake your presence will startle him, and he will need you to spend time with him once you have met his needs

My son does have very complex health needs, which include epilepsy, a severe learning disability, a free draining peg, a supra pubic catheter, a condition that means he is not able to control his own body temperature, and he cannot move independently. This means that as his Personal Assistant there will be several procedures that you will be trained in, to be able to provide the necessary support for my son. He is reliant on TPN feeding, TPN training will be taught once you are fully experienced with all other aspects of my son’s care. This role will involve supporting my son in the home overnight without supervision.

As my son’s Personal Assistant, you will work under my direction to meet his needs and will be accountable to me in all aspects of your work. You must be reliable, be able to use your initiative and be able to work outside the 9-to-5 day. You must also be able to respect our privacy and understand the need for confidentiality in all areas of your work.

As my son’s Personal Assistant, you must be able to handle the physical skills of hoisting, pushing and bending. You do not need prior experience; however, you must be willing and able to learn these skills.

Driver essential for this role and you must be experienced in driving wheelchair adapted large vehicles.

For more information, please see the Job Description

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.