Personal Support Assistant

Are you looking for a change, but still in support work? Wanting something a bit different? Well, hello! I am your bit different. I have a fantastic small team/(non genetic) family and there are some shifts that I really need another fantastic support worker to fill to keep the cogs turning and that can fill in the gaps where I am now needing a bit more support than previously, cover holidays, some weekend slots and early evening.

I am looking for a flexible, energetic, up for almost anything Support Worker. I am a professional artist and maker, I work in education supporting Deaf children and adults using BSL. Most importantly I am a busy mum of two amazing, clever fun littler ones. I work hard and want support to enable me to be the best mummy I can be but also to support me as an individual - we like to be out exploring new places at the weekends and school holidays.

I'm just entering a new stage of my life both professionally and as a family. I need the physical support, as well as someone that can read my mind/remember everything that I have forgotten, I need YOU!

I have a positive, independent outlook, and want to do everything now! So if you can support me to stop and breathe. Remind me I'm being too stubborn and that Rome wasn't built in a day… so "go and rest, I can handle it!". It's important you understand the different between care and support - I am the latter. When not racing around I need support to do the less exciting 'waiting around bit'; happy to support me with daily living: shopping, appointments, housework…

I use a power wheelchair and I am tetraplegic, I need support with moving transfers from wheelchair to bed, floor, sofa and car, I need guidance not actual lifting. (I do not require any personal care, but I need help dressing/undressing and administration of medication). When travelling in your car I use my manual chair that I need to be pushed in - it is lightweight and fits in most 5 door cars.

This is a very varied supporting role, so Please don't let it put you off applying if you don't meet all the criteria. You need to be a car owner and driver and someone who is happy to travel to multiple locations. Mileage expenses are paid at 55p per mile.

Main Duties:

- Physically supporting me (e.g. lifting my wheelchair into a car, pushing me in my wheelchair, carrying or lifting bags or similar when necessary)

- Supporting me with my children e.g. car seats and ensuring they are safely trapped in.

- Keeping me and the children safe during a seizure (training provided)

- PEG feeding, bolus medication (training provided)

- Assisting me when out and about as well as "Mum jobs", my appointments, helping me to visit friends and family.

- Support around the home (e.g. light housework and evening support with medication and getting into bed)

- Food prep alongside me

- Refilling medication and PEG feed and equipment.

- Day trips - more in the school holidays.

Terms and Conditions:

- Hours of work: Up to 10 hours with more hours available.

- Time of work: Varying times and days by prior arrangement, including mornings, daytime and evenings.

- Days of week of work: To be negotiated (up to 10 days in advance).

- Flexibility of hours: You will know your rota approx. 10 days ahead of schedule and I will take into account any current work, responsibilities, and appointments. There will be hours to cover my existing PSAs e.g. sickness, annual leave, appointments my other Personal Assistants have.

- Expenses: You will be reimbursed any expenses incurred as part of the role. You will be paid mileage at a rate of 55p per mile (not including travel to/from work).

- Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work which would normally be done during 5.6 consecutive weeks.

- Background Checks: A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) check is required for this position of which I will organise.

Hours and Rate of pay: Up to 10 hours with more hours available, £14.50 per hour