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Independent Lives; Heathfield; On-site; GBP 2,800 - 3,600; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives in Heathfield is seeking a friendly Personal Assistant to support a man in his mid-thirties with ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety and a sleep disorder. The role centers on building trust, reducing isolation and promoting independence at his own pace, with on-site support.

The position is 3 hours per week, Thursdays preferred (Fridays considered). Driver’s licence and own vehicle are required. You will assist with daily living, housework, shopping and relevant duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Driver's licence required and own vehicle.
• Experience or willingness to work with adults with ASD and anxiety.
• Hygiene and health & safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and social engagement.
• Assist in developing daily living skills.
• Perform light housework and domestic tasks.
• Run errands and shopping support.
• Follow care plan and adapt to the client’s pace.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Timekeeping

Communication

English literacy

Job description

Friendly and Supportive Personal Assistant Wanted ES512a

Company: Independent Lives

Location: Heathfield

Ref: ES512a

Employment status: Employed

Job type: Permanent

Working pattern: On-site

Hours per week: 3 hours, preferably on Thursdays, would consider Fridays

Hourly pay rate: £18 per hour

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

We are looking for a friendly, patient and reliable Personal Assistant to support an articulate man in his mid-thirties with high-functioning ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, social isolation and a sleep disorder.

At present, anxiety means he is unable to leave his home. The role is focused on building a trusting relationship, reducing isolation and supporting greater independence at his own pace.

He enjoys all genres of music, history, films, technology and DIY, and would benefit from someone who can engage in conversation, share his interests and help with hobby projects.

Support will also include housework, shopping, errands and developing daily living skills.

The ideal PA will be calm, empathetic, patient and non-judgemental, with good communication skills and an understanding of ASD and anxiety. Most importantly, you will be someone who can build a genuine rapport and provide encouraging, respectful support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to someone's confidence, independence and quality of life.

Duties

• - Companionship
• - Developing daily living skills
• - Housework
• - Shopping
• - Other relevant duties as required

Candidate qualities

• - Patient and empathetic with excellent interpersonal skills
• - Non-judgemental and respectful regarding client’s neurodivergence
• - Respectful of the client’s privacy and confidentiality
• - Reliable with good timekeeping
• - Able to follow instructions, but mainly to work on own initiative
• - Good standards of hygiene (but no strong-smelling toiletries)
• - Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• - Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• - Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• - Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours
• - Comfortable with a cat

Training and experience desirable but not necessary

• - Autism specific training, e.g. NAS ‘Understanding and Supporting Autistic People’, NAS ‘Supporting Autistic People Using the SPELL Framework’, NAS ‘Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Autism’
• - Experience in working with adults with ASD and anxiety or personal experience with a friend or relative with similar difficulties

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.

If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme