PA/Companion required in Ashfield, Suffolk
10 hours available per week
£14.50 per hour
Job reference: 4992
Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.
Job description
Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.
Job purpose
I would like support to access the community and find interests other than computers, but would also enjoy playing games with my PA if they are able.
About me
I am a 24-year-old trans female. I am autistic and have a rare autoimmune disease, dermatomyositis, which limits my strength and mobility. I also struggle with anxiety and low mood.
I live with my parents and have 3 brothers who live away from home. We have 2 cats in the house.
I really enjoy playing games on my computer and have online friends from all over the world, mostly Germany and USA. I enjoy days out and use a mobility scooter or a wheelchair, but have to be careful to avoid the sun due to my dermatomyositis.
I like eating out, and love a McDonalds, but also enjoy shopping.
I am socially anxious and struggle to initiate conversations, or join in until I am comfortable. I am very intelligent but need help understanding money and value and other life skills. Having a bath and cleaning my teeth makes me anxious and I need support with this, and I also need help choosing appropriate clothes and preparing food.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
· Helping me to get out and about
· Discovering new activities with me
· Gentle exercise to help prevent muscle loss
· Issuing medication
Personal Specification
(refer to these when submitting your application)
Essential Criteria
· Ability to work without supervision
· Full UK driving licence
· Physically able to manage my wheelchair/scooter
· Must be sensitive to my wants and needs
· Able to subtly give me social hints
· Must respect my individual preferences
· Will support me to access meaningful activities
· Able to recognise my behaviours as distress
· Able to plan trips and outings
· Friendly and willing to help me work on my social skills
· Patient, caring and supportive
· Responsible, reliable and understanding
Desirable Criteria
· An understanding of Autism
· Manual handling training
· First aid training
· Previous experience in the following:
o A care role
o Working with an autistic adult
o Working with someone who has mobility needs
Other points to consider
· There are no smokers in the house, but we do have 2 friendly cats.
· I need a wheelchair or a scooter if out and about, either of which will fit in an average sized boot, but access to a car with a scooter hoist may be possible for the right applicant.
Summary terms and conditions
· Hours, days and times of work: 10 hours available per week. This is flexible, but ideally 2 x 5hr shifts, or occasionally 1 x 10 hr shift, per week. Generally, shifts will be weekdays only.
· Pay rate: £14.50 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 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
· Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 4 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 4992.
Please refer to the job description.
Online form: https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/application-form-1
Email: suffolk@silmail.org Telephone: 01473 603876
Post - Address: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD