Kind, Patient and Understanding Personal Assistant

Independent Lives; Wealden; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Lives in the United Kingdom seeks a kind, patient Personal Assistant to support an adult who has experienced significant social isolation and would like to become more involved in the community, develop confidence and gradually increase independence.

You will help identify local groups and activities, accompany to events, and encourage exploration of interests while respecting privacy and working at a pace that feels comfortable. A calm, trustworthy approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Patience, empathy and a calm, supportive approach.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify local groups, activities, volunteering opportunities and ways to become involved in the community.
• Support attendance at activities and help the person become more comfortable interacting with others.
• Encourage exploration of varied interests to discover long-term goals and activities.
• Assist with appointments (medical, dental, optician, etc.) as required.
• Help develop confidence in everyday life and promote increasing independence.
• Provide reassurance, encouragement and build trust at a pace that feels manageable.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality and follow instructions while showing initiative.

Job description

We are looking for a kind, patient and understanding Personal Assistant to support an adult who has experienced significant social isolation and would like help to become more involved in the community, develop confidence and gradually increase her independence.

The role will involve supporting her to identify and explore suitable activities and opportunities based around her interests, and accompanying her where appropriate. She has a wide range of interests including writing, history, archaeology, natural history and animals, music, arts and crafts, humanitarian causes and military history.

Key Responsibilities

• Helping to research and identify local groups, activities, volunteering opportunities and other ways to become involved in the community.
• Supporting her to attend activities and gradually become more comfortable meeting and interacting with other people.
• Encouraging her to explore different interests and opportunities to discover what she enjoys and would like to pursue longer term.
• Supporting her to attend medical, dental, optician and other appointments where required.
• Helping her develop confidence with everyday adult life and become as independent as possible.
• Providing reassurance and encouragement when trying unfamiliar activities or environments.
• Supporting her to work towards longer-term personal goals and meaningful involvement in her community.

The ideal PA will be compassionate, reliable and patient, with a good understanding of anxiety, social isolation or barriers to accessing the community. You will need to be proactive and able to help research ideas and opportunities rather than simply waiting for activities to be suggested.

A calm and encouraging approach is important, as is an ability to build trust and work at a pace that feels manageable. The aim of the role is to help her gradually build confidence, develop social connections, explore her interests and create a fuller and more independent life.

Duties include:

• Other relevant duties as required
• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.