Experienced Personal Assistant - MGLNCL

Disability North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A personal support service in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a dedicated Personal Assistant to support a sociable young man with complex health needs. The position requires experience driving large wheelchair adapted vehicles and the ability to learn his unique communication methods. Candidates must be reliable, willing to work outside standard hours, and maintain confidentiality. This role offers £16.00 per hour for 20-24 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Driver experienced in large wheelchair adapted vehicles.
• Ability to work outside standard hours.
• Willingness to learn physical care skills.

Responsibilities

• Support a young man with complex health needs in various activities.
• Learn and maintain understanding of his communication methods.
• Provide overnight care as needed.

Skills

Experience driving wheelchair adapted vehicles

Patience

Ability to learn communication methods

Reliability

Confidentiality

Job description

Overview

• Posting date: 06 October 2025
• Hours: Part time
• Closing date: 05 November 2025
• Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
• Remote working: On-site only
• Company: Disability North
• Job type: Permanent
• Job reference:

Summary

• 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 the 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.
• 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.

About the role

The purpose of this role is to support my 27-year-old son. He is an upbeat and sociable young man who enjoys being around people and activities such as cinema and the beach. He communicates by pointing with his hands and with his eyes, and will vocalise. The role requires learning his communication methods and maintaining a calm, respectful environment. Overnight support is possible and may involve being in his room through the night to provide care as needed.

Qualifications and requirements

• Driver essential for this role; experience in driving wheelchair-adapted large vehicles.
• Ability to work outside standard hours; reliability and confidentiality are essential.
• Willingness to learn physical care skills (hoisting, pushing, bending).
• Permission to work in the U.K. at start date.