Personal Assistants

Independent lives; Bradford-on-Avon; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Lives is seeking a caring, proactive Personal Assistant to support a man living independently at home after a brain injury. The role focuses on companionship, daily routine planning, and encouraging participation in activities.

You will help with meals, laundry, shopping, appointments and light household tasks, while taking medicine prompts, driving to occasions, and building confidence. The hours are eight per day, with some flexibility; DBS check may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience in care or support roles, ideally with brain injury rehabilitation.
• Ability to communicate well and build trust with the client.
• Patient, reliable, observant and resourceful with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently with initiative and adapt to needs.
• Reasonable physical fitness for daily activities and driving.
• Good English language skills (read and speak).

Responsibilities

• Prompt medication reminders and administration support.
• Assist with personal care and daily routines.
• Support healthy eating and meal preparation.
• Provide companionship and engage in activities.
• Plan and organise daily diary, appointments and notes.
• Household tasks: cleaning, laundry, shopping, cooking.
• Drive to activities, appointments and social events.
• Support memory strategies and rehabilitation activities.

Skills

Care experience

Brain injury rehabilitation

Communication

Initiative

Creativity

Timekeeping

Reliability

Patience

English reading/writing

Tools

Apple devices support

Job description

We are looking for caring, proactive and enthusiastic Personal Assistants to support a man living independently at home following a brain injury caused by meningitis 18 years ago. He is intelligent, has a great sense of humour, enjoys music and sport, and loves getting out and about. He has a keen interest in football, kayaking, cooking, technology and creative activities, and there is plenty of opportunity to help him rediscover old interests and explore new ones. The role is about much more than providing practical care. He has difficulties with short-term memory, communication, motivation and planning, so he needs someone who can offer friendly companionship, gentle prompting and consistent encouragement throughout the day. You will help him initiate activities, organise his daily routine, maintain his independence, stay active, eat healthily and engage with the world around him. Activities might include cooking together, going for walks, playing sport, visiting local attractions, attending music or cultural events, working in the garden or exploring creative projects. You will also provide practical support with household tasks, shopping, meal preparation, laundry and keeping his home clean and organised. He enjoys doing things for himself but often needs help to plan and complete tasks effectively, so a willingness to work alongside him, offer guidance and occasionally take the lead is essential. You will help him manage everyday routines, attend appointments, maintain social connections and take his prescribed medication reliably. We are looking for someone who is patient, reliable, observant and resourceful, with a positive, can-do attitude. Experience in care, brain injury rehabilitation or supporting people with additional needs would be beneficial, but equally important is the ability to build a trusting relationship, communicate well, show initiative and bring energy and creativity to everyday life. You should be comfortable working independently, encouraging without being overbearing, and adapting your approach to his needs and interests. The position is for eight hours a day, normally 9.30am-5.30pm, with some flexibility by agreement. A light lunch is provided, with supper also provided when working into the early evening. Mileage incurred when transporting him is reimbursed at 50p per mile, with journeys logged and expenses paid monthly. If you are someone who enjoys helping others achieve more, values companionship as much as practical support and wants to make a genuine difference to someone's quality of life, this could be a very rewarding role.

Duties include:

• Medication prompting/administering - reminding him to take his prescribed penicillin twice daily and checking that he does so.
• Personal care - prompting him to shower, brush his teeth and maintain personal hygiene.
• Eating and drinking assistance - prompting him to eat and drink regularly and supporting healthier food choices.
• Other relevant duties as required - supporting rehabilitation, daily routines, memory strategies, activities and general independence.
• Administration - helping him plan his day, use his diary and noticeboard, manage appointments and maintain communication records.
• Housekeeping - helping him keep his home clean and tidy, including laundry, washing up and general household tasks.
• Shopping - grocery shopping, planning shopping lists and purchasing household essentials.
• Cooking - supporting meal planning, preparation and cooking, including supervision where needed.
• Transportation - driving him to activities, appointments and social outings.
• Companionship - a central part of the role, providing social interaction, emotional support and encouragement to participate in activities.
• Gardening - encouraging and supporting gardening activities, watering plants, sowing seeds and weeding.
• Technical Support - Experience supporting and assisting with Apple technology, including computers, iPads and Apple Watches, would be beneficial. The ability to provide practical support with setting up, using and troubleshooting these devices would be an advantage.
• DIY and Home Maintenance Support - Practical skills and the ability to assist with general home maintenance, resolving minor household issues, and helping with everyday DIY tasks and projects would be beneficial.
• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Hygienic, tidy and well organised
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Creative
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• Able to speak and read English to a good standard
• Previous care/support experience highly desirable
• Brain injury experience - ideally, an understanding of acquired brain injury, memory difficulties, communication challenges and rehabilitation. This would be beneficial but not essential

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.