Personal Assistant/Support Worker – GDNCL

Disability North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 9,900 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

Disability North is seeking a reliable Personal Assistant to support George to maintain independence at home and in the community in Newcastle upon Tyne (NE6).

This 15 hours per week role pays £15.00 per hour and includes helping with daily routines, shopping, transport and attending medical appointments, while encouraging self-reliance according to his support plan. Experience with mental health or diabetes is beneficial; training is provided. Applicants must have permission to work in the U.K.

Qualifications

• Patient, calm and respectful
• Reliable and consistent
• Confident giving clear prompts and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Able to encourage independence without taking over
• Comfortable supporting someone with mental health and physical health needs
• Able to communicate effectively with George, family members and health professionals
• Observant and able to recognise when something may not be right
• Confident supporting someone in shops, restaurants, appointments and on public transport
• Understanding of the importance of dignity, choice and person-centred support

Responsibilities

• Encouraging George to complete everyday tasks independently, providing prompting and assistance where necessary
• Supporting household routines including laundry, washing up, putting clothes away and managing household waste
• Helping George plan and complete his weekly food shopping
• Encouraging healthy food choices appropriate for his diabetes
• Checking food dates and supporting George to manage food safely
• Supporting George to manage his medication routines, prescriptions and medical supplies in line with his support plan
• Helping George communicate diabetes readings and relevant health information when required
• Supporting George to attend medical, dental and other appointments
• Helping George understand information provided by professionals and supporting him to communicate his needs
• Supporting George to use taxis and public transport while encouraging him to maintain skills such as booking his own taxi, paying fares and identifying his bus stop
• Encouraging George to wear clean and weather-appropriate clothing
• Supporting George to maintain his mobility and prescribed exercise/physiotherapy routine when appropriate
• Supporting George to access his local community and enjoy a varied range of activities
• Promoting George’s independence, choice, confidence and wellbeing

Job description

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (NE6)

Hours: 15 hours per week

Rate of Pay: £15.00 per hour

About George

George is looking for a reliable, confident and supportive Personal Assistant to help him maintain his independence at home and in the community. George benefits from someone who can provide clear, consistent encouragement while recognising the things he is able to do for himself. This role is very much about supporting George to do things, rather than doing everything for him.

George has complex mental and physical health needs, including schizophrenia, diabetes and reduced mobility. Full information about his health and support requirements will be discussed with applicants before appointment so that anyone taking on the role understands the support George requires. Heenjoys getting out into the community, going shopping, eating out and watching television, with Laurel and Hardy being a particular favourite.

What will you be doing?

You will support George with areas including:

• Encouraging George to complete everyday tasks independently, providing prompting and assistance where necessary
• Supporting household routines including laundry, washing up, putting clothes away and managing household waste
• Helping George plan and complete his weekly food shopping
• Encouraging healthy food choices appropriate for his diabetes
• Checking food dates and supporting George to manage food safely
• Supporting George to manage his medication routines, prescriptions and medical supplies in line with his support plan
• Helping George communicate diabetes readings and relevant health information when required
• Supporting George to attend medical, dental and other appointments
• Helping George understand information provided by professionals and supporting him to communicate his needs
• Supporting George to use taxis and public transport while encouraging him to maintain skills such as booking his own taxi, paying fares and identifying his bus stop
• Encouraging George to wear clean and weather-appropriate clothing
• Supporting George to maintain his mobility and prescribed exercise/physiotherapy routine when appropriate
• Supporting George to access his local community and enjoy a varied range of activities
• Promoting George’s independence, choice, confidence and wellbeing

A key part of the role is knowing when George genuinely needs assistance and when he needs encouragement to complete something himself. His existing support approach specifically focuses on maintaining the everyday skills he already has.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, calm and respectful
• Reliable and consistent
• Confident giving clear prompts and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Able to encourage independence without taking over
• Comfortable supporting someone with mental health and physical health needs
• Able to communicate effectively with George, family members and health professionals
• Observant and able to recognise when something may not be right
• Confident supporting someone in shops, restaurants, appointments and on public transport
• Understanding of the importance of dignity, choice and person-centred support

Experience supporting adults with schizophrenia, diabetes, cognitive impairment or similar support needs would be beneficial, although the right attitude and approach are equally important.

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.