Job Description
Hours: 6 hours every other week/3 hours every week (job-share)
*Please note that interview will be via Zoom only*
Nature of the job role
It is essential for this position that you like and are comfortable around cats and dogs as we have a Bengal kitten and in the future will have an assistance dog.
This is a job-share position for a total of 6 hours per week; this will be 6 hours every other week/3 hours per week for both PAs; 6 hours per week between two Personal Assistants. The pay is £15 per hour. Ideally, regular shifts will take place the same day/times every week, with the exceptions for events and medical appointments. It is not essential for the role to be fluent in British Sign Language, as there are other methods of communication available, such as phone apps and writing things down. However, I would prefer someone who is willing to learn the basics of BSL.
I am seeking a Personal Assistant (PA) whom I would like to think of more as a paid companion. It is important to me that you can be reliable, punctual, and able to use your own initiative. I like to have a consistent staff team, as it can take me a while to build up trust with a new person. The first few weeks likely will involve working up to a positive working relationship. It will be important to have a good understanding of autism and be happy in using alternative methods of communication as I am both Deaf and autistic, so struggle with understanding what people say and mean.
I am 28 and live with my fiancé in the Wallsend area. As well as being Deaf and autistic, I have a physical disability - a genetic connective tissue condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which causes chronic pain, fatigue, dislocation in my joints, as well as heart and digestion issues. This means I need assistance with communication, personal care tasks, mobility, domestic housework and nutrition; as well as more fun aspects like access to social and leisure activities. I enjoy spending time with friends, going to dance class, as well as visiting museums, zoos, aquariums and art galleries. I would prefer someone who can use their initiative and will be good company - a companion. My social activities take place in Newcastle and Tynemouth.
I use a manual wheelchair with a power assist, and as I am Deaf, I use a mixture of nonverbal cues, signing and phone apps to communicate. It would be useful to be able to communicate using sign language or have the willingness to learn. Please don't be put off if you can't sign though, as we can use phone apps or pen and paper!
There will be an orientation on all aspects of how to provide my support.
Main Duties
Social Activities
- You will assist me with getting on and off public transport safely
- Accompany me to social and leisure activities of my choosing.
- Accompany me in the community, for example for shopping.
- Assist with pushing my wheelchair if I get fatigued
- Support me with accessing and accompany to medical appointments.
Personal Assistance
- Support with showering
- Support with getting changed after swimming
- Ensuring my safety at all times.
- Any other requests which may reasonably be made.
Domestic
- Food preparation of simple meals.
- Assist with arranging transport to and from appointments, meetings and activities.
- Making telephone calls to arrange assistance (e.g. booking trains) as I am Deaf.
- Assist with light domestic duties such as bins, laundry and hoovering.
- Assist and accompany me with food shopping.
- Occasional support with cat hygiene, such as litter trays and changing water
Person Specification
To be my Personal Assistant you should:
- Have a positive attitude towards disabled people
- Be willing to understand about BSL and Deaf culture.
- Be comfortable with pushing a manual wheelchair
- Be reliable, punctual, as well as patient and understanding
- Be able to prepare/cook meals for complex diets and food intolerances
- Have good non-verbal skills (e.g. written, gesturing)
- Have and use your own initiative and common sense
- Be willing to work under my direction and instruction
- Be able to work in different settings
An enhanced DBS check will be carried out for the successful applicant if required. All posts are subject to a three-month probation period.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 3-6 per week
Salary: £15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Day range:
Physical setting:
Shift:
COVID-19 considerations:
We provide clear face masks when required, unless you are exempt. We also recommend that PAs have had the latest COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab as employer is vulnerable to COVID-19.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wallsend: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please either attach a cover letter or explain why you would be a good PA.
Experience:
- working with Deaf or disabled people: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: PA-Wallsend