PM2450 Personal Assistant

Dewis Centre for Independent Living; Tonypandy; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Dewis Centre for Independent Living in Tonypandy is seeking a friendly Personal Assistant (PA) to support a 21-year-old with autism, sensory sensitivities, and mobility needs. The role focuses on independence, community access, and confidence-building, with duties tailored to the individual's pace and preferences.

Hours are 8 per week, with afternoon slots; pay is £16.70 per hour plus mileage. A National Insurance number is required, a DBS check will be conducted, and driving your own car with

Qualifications

• Friendly, positive and patient approach.
• Reliable, trustworthy and respectful.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own car.
• Willingness to work in a home environment and respect privacy.

Responsibilities

• Support with safety and wellbeing.
• Access community and activities.
• Shopping and errands including prescriptions.
• Meal preparation and baking.
• Assist with clothes shopping and dressing.
• Attend hair and nail appointments.
• Maintain personal hygiene routines.
• Encourage confidence and independence.
• Help develop skills toward volunteering.
• Provide companionship during outings.
• Support with sensory and social challenges.

Skills

Friendly & approachable

Reliable & trustworthy

Patience & understanding

Good communication

Willingness to drive

UK driving licence

Job description

Personal Assistant (PA) – Job Reference PM2450

About Me

I am a 21-year-old living in Trelaw, Tonypandy. I am looking for a friendly, reliable and supportive Personal Assistant to help me build my confidence and independence, access the community and spend more time doing things I enjoy outside of the home.

I have a diagnosis of Autism and experience sensory sensitivities. I also experience pain and fatigue, which can affect my mobility and walking. Having the right support will help me feel more confident when going out and taking part in activities.

In the future, I would like to develop my confidence and skills with the aim of eventually volunteering at a cat-related organisation. I love animals, particularly cats, and I also enjoy spending time with our fish and our big dog at home.

In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, gaming, anime and Minecraft. I collect Jellycats and enjoy swimming, although I don't get to go as often as I'd like. I also enjoy going to the cinema at McArthur Glen, eating at Wagamama and shopping at Morrisons.

I prefer to do social activities during quieter times, as I don't enjoy crowds and can experience social anxiety. A patient and understanding PA who can support me at my own pace would be really important.

Hours of Work

8 hours per week

Weekday afternoons, preferably between 12pm and 4pm

Hours are likely to be split across 3 days, for example:

3 hours

3 hours

2 hours

The specific weekdays can be flexible and agreed between us.

Rate of Pay

£16.70 per hour, plus mileage for journeys made together in the car.

Main Duties

The role will involve supporting me with:

• Ensuring my safety and wellbeing while providing support.
• Accessing the community and taking part in activities I enjoy.
• Shopping and other everyday errands, including collecting prescriptions.
• Meal preparation and baking.
• Choosing clothes and supporting me with shopping for clothing when needed.
• Attending hair and nail appointments.
• Building and maintaining a positive routine around personal hygiene and physical health.
• Encouraging and supporting my confidence and independence.
• Helping me to develop skills that will support my longer-term goal of volunteering.
• Providing companionship and positive encouragement when we are out and about.
• Supporting me to manage sensory and social challenges in a calm and understanding way.

The role is about supporting my independence rather than doing things for me, helping me to build confidence and develop skills at my own pace.

Person Specification

The ideal Personal Assistant will be:

• Friendly, positive and approachable.
• Reliable, trustworthy and committed.
• Patient, understanding and respectful.
• Someone with a young outlook and ideally of a similar age.
• Respectful of my independence, dignity, privacy and personal choices.
• Comfortable working in a home environment.
• Able to follow instructions and respect agreed routines.
• Understanding of, or willing to learn about, autism and sensory sensitivities.
• Comfortable supporting someone who may experience social anxiety.
• Encouraging and able to help build confidence without being overbearing.
• A good communicator who is happy to listen and work together.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Access to your own car.
• Business-class insurance allowing you to use your vehicle for this role.
• Willingness to drive with me for agreed activities and journeys.

What I Am Looking For

Most importantly, I am looking for someone who is kind, patient, trustworthy and easy to get along with. Someone who will take the time to get to know me, understand what I enjoy and help me feel comfortable and confident.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping me become more independent, enjoy more experiences outside the home and work towards my future goals.

ABOUT THE JOB

This post is subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Though a part‑time job, this will be a proper job requiring a National Insurance number to be submitted. A trial period will be necessary in the first instance. The wage will be paid every month on receipt of a payslip from Dewis Centre for Independent Living. You will receive 5.6 weeks paid holiday (pro rata).