About the Employer

I am both the employer and service user who has been allocated a direct payment to employ a PA. The PA role will be to provide me support, encouragement and motivation both socially and in general day to day life. I have a diagnosis of Generalised Dystonia which the severity of my symptoms can vary from one day to another. It has a big effect on my life and often makes daily activities painful and difficult. It can result in uncontrolled muscle cramps and spasms which can affect my mobility and fine motor skills. I am able to walk and live independently however I do have access to equipment to assist me such as crutches and a wheelchair if required. My house has adaptations (hand rails) to support me moving around my home. Dealing with my disability and symptoms can often leave me feeling down in mood, isolated and lacking motivation. I am seeking a PA to provide 14 hrs per week to enable me to get out and about in the community, assist me in attending appointments and managing my correspondence and diary. The position will include the PA taking on a befriending role whilst also encouraging me to become motivated around the home and accessing social activities. The PA may also be required at times to assist with general household duties, assisting me to prepare meals and batch cook, as this is often not a priority. I enjoy activites such as completing jigsaw puzzles, a love and natural flare for diamond art and I attend my local church and coffee morning on a weekly basis.

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Employer Disability and Health Conditions

• Mobility / Physical • Invisible

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The employer's hobbies and interests:

• Jogsaw puzzles/Diamond Art• decorating• Going out socially

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Other relevant information

About the Role

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and/or prompt with cooking/meal preparation and eating meals/drinks.
• Assist with household chores and general homemaking.
• Support and/or prompt to attend appointments as necessary, e.g. hospital/doctors.
• Support with food shopping.
• Support and/or prompt the individual to access sporting and leisure activities.
• Assist and encourage socialisation, participating in activities.
• Promote and encourage friendships and independence.
• Develop a good and trusting one to one working relationship.
• Support with managing paperwork & correspondence.

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The individuals needs may vary from day to day and your tasks may reflect this. You could be required to perform other duties as reasonably required.

You have a responsibility as an employee to report all accidents to the employer immediately. You have a duty to report defects and / or hazards which may give rise to an accident. You are to ensure the safety of the individual at all times.

Due to the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure (costs will be covered).

Transport Requirement

Car driver preferred but not essential.

Required Skills

• Be honest, reliable, trustworthy and punctual.• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy, including the prohibited use of social media in relation to the job role.
• To be able to work on own initiative.
• Be patient, supportive and caring.
• Have good listening skills and be able to provide non-judgemental emotional support.
• Be empathetic.
• Previous caring experience is not essential, however you should have a genuine interest in supporting people with a disability/illness to achieve their goals.
• Flexibility would be an advantage as the hours may be variable.
• Be self-motivated with a willingness to get involved.
• Have a lively personality.