Personal Assistant required in Lowestoft (with possibility of moving to Beccles soon)
15 hours available per week (split between 2 people- either 15 hours split between 2 people each week or on a one week on, one week off rota)
£14.10 per hour
Job ref: 5265
Job description
Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.
Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.
Job purpose
To support me with daily, practical tasks that I find hard so that I can continue my role as a mum. I can no longer manage the practical tasks like cleaning, laundry, washing up and shopping but need someone that will respect my ability to run my household without encroaching on my role as a parent.
About me
I am a 51-year-old mum of 3 children with hidden disabilities. I have multiple health conditions including incurable cancer, arthritis and liver disease. This has left me with a shortened life expectancy and suffering from constant pain and fatigue. I am at higher risk of infection, can be ill for longer and take longer to recover from things like colds. than most people. I have studied and had a professional career, supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. I love music, art food, cinema, swimming, dogs and love travelling. I have a good sense of humour and am fiercely independent. I like to drive and cook but struggle to carry anything heavy or stand for long periods so would need support I the areas of life that I enjoy as a mum.
I am looking for a PA to support me with daily living tasks to maintain my home & support me in my role as a mum. I need someone with a kind, caring nature, good communication skills as well as previous experience of a similar role. You will need to be able to drive. I am currently based in Lowestoft but hope to relocate to Beccles in the next year. You will need to be able to take on training as my health deteriorates & be flexible with hours planned each month in advance due to extensive medical appointments. I am looking for someone who will support me within the home and when out, be physically fit with a good attitude and zest for life. We are a lively household so lots of energy needed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
· Cleaning, hoovering, help with washing, washing up, lifting, bending to pick up things. Also carry things up and down the stairs.
· Changing the beds
· Help with general shopping trips and food shopping (I require someone who can drive to support or do this for me when I am not able to)
· Help prepare for potentially moving house
· Be flexible to add more/ change hours for possible days out, possible holidays in the future when my mobility declines. This may include family days out/ festivals/ concerts/ museums, helping me to swim, supporting where I cannot walk or carry bags & need to take a PA with me, longer days where I will be tired and need support.
· Support trips to hospital where I may not be able to drive/ walk after treatment.
· In the event of a decline of health or infection, help with making meals. I have a child with severe allergies, so a high level of awareness of this is needed.
· You will be responsible to me as your employer.
Personal Specification
(refer to these when submitting your application)
Can show examples of a similar, previous career supporting someone like me. You must have a good level of spoken English and understanding of needs given in English. Show a good level of SEN knowledge and experience. I need someone who can drive to support with shopping. A confident swimmer and physically fit to be able to bend, lift and carry as this is my main area of difficulty and to maintain the household tasks that I can no longer manage. Willing to learn/ train as my health deteriorates and adapt to my needs and supporting us as a family to help me maintain being a mum. My children & I need someone who can be a consistent support in our lives where we feel secure that the person/ persons are able to support us through the stages of cancer and eventually into the final stages of life. An experience or willingness to learn as we go is key here as this is an inevitable path for me & I need a PA who won’t be frightened of that but be a support to me through lots of difficult times whilst maintaining the daily tasks that will mean I don't have these worries anymore. A positive attitude to life, sense of humour, kind and compassionate and a warm personality are very important to me. Appropriate dress and professional personal conduct are expected for this role.
No phones should be out within my house or around my children with no pictures of my children, home or I are permitted.
Essential Criteria
· Someone we can build a relationship and feel comfortable around who will be able to support me with personal care further down the line.
· Open to any qualification level
· Good Communication skills
· Future training, including manual handling to adapt to my changing care needs.
· A competent swimmer
· Experience in a similar role. Able to give examples of supporting someone with poor health and the impact that this had on that person.
· Maintain confidentiality
· Must have a valid driving license
Desirable Criteria
· Good understanding/ experience of/ training around disabilities would be an advantage.
Summary terms and conditions
· Hours, days and times of work: 15 hours (split between 2 people- either both people working each week or a ‘one week on, one week off’ split rota. Some flexibility around shifts is required due to appointments etc - to be arranged each month as we go. More hours potentially some weeks and less the next depending on circumstances.
· Monday- Friday every week (including school holidays)
· Pay rate: £14.10 per hour
· Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
· Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
· Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
· Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
The post is subject to the following
· Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
o If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed (this cannot be a family member).
· Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form and return it to SIL, quoting the job reference number 5265.
Please refer to the job description.
Online form: https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/application-form-1
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01473 603876
Post - Address: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD
Pay: £14.10 per hour
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
