Personal Assistant

Independent Lives; England; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives is seeking a compassionate Personal Assistant to support an 18-year-old young man with complex needs in the UK. The role focuses on companionship, enabling activities, and providing respectful personal care with dignity.

You should be reliable and patient, able to follow instructions, with good English reading/speaking skills. The position is short-term with hours around 6–9 weekly/fortnightly, during term time 2.45pm–5.15pm.

Qualifications

• Patience and reliability in a personal care setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work on own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support activities the young man enjoys.
• Assist with personal care with dignity and respect.
• Support routine and health and safety practices.

Skills

Patience

Reliability

Time management

Communication

Initiative

Interpersonal skills

English reading/writing

Job description

Are you a caring, patient and reliable person looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference? We are looking for a Personal Assistant to support an 18-year-old young man with severe learning disabilities, autism, non-verbal communication, sensory difficulties and epilepsy.

This is a short-term position, with the anticipated duration and length of the role to be discussed and agreed at interview.

He is a cheerful young man who enjoys a calm routine, watching short Peppa Pig clips, building with Duplo, reading books, going for drives and visiting local shops or pubs for short periods. While he can find change and meeting new people challenging, he responds well to consistent, patient support.

The role involves helping him access activities he enjoys, providing companionship and supporting him with personal care. He is doubly incontinent and wears continence pads, so you will need to provide personal care with dignity and respect.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with a kind, understanding nature who is committed to providing person-centred support and helping a young man enjoy a happy, fulfilling life.

Duties include:

• Other relevant duties as required
• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety

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. 6-9 hours either weekly or fortnightly. However, the young man would prefer to start the role for a few hours a day for a few days over a few weeks. The days and time are negotiable during school holidays but will be 2.45pm - 5.15pm term time for three days a week.

Hourly pay rate:

£15 + mileage