Job Title: Personal Assistant for Disabled Adult
Employed by individual directly
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Personal Assistant to support a disabled adult with left-sided Hemiplegia and left Hemianopia in their daily life. Left-sided Hemiplegia is a condition that results in paralysis or severe weakness on the left side of the body, affecting mobility and coordination. Left Hemianopia is a visual impairment that causes loss of vision in the left half of the visual field in both eyes. The individual also has a history of tonic seizures that are under control if medication is kept regular.
This role involves assisting with household tasks, facilitating appointments and outings, and supporting the individual’s independence and well-being.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of disability and accessibility considerations, excellent communication skills, and a patient, empathetic demeanour.
Key Responsibilities:
- Appointments and Outings: Accompany the individual to medical appointments, social outings, and other activities. Provide transportation and support as needed.
- Household Management: Organise and manage household tasks including shopping, facilitate appointments, making phone calls to companies and service providers, and helping to keep medical equipment clean. Ensure the laundry cycle is completed on a regular basis and the home environment is safe and well-maintained.
- Medication Support: Assist the individual in ensuring that medication is taken regularly to keep tonic seizures under control. Monitor and remind the individual about their medication schedule, and help obtain medication from the pharmacy on a regular basis.
- Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with other professionals, family members, and other members of the support network. Relay important information and updates as necessary, while always respecting and prioritising the autonomy of the individual.
- Goal Support: Assist the individual in setting and achieving personal goals. Encourage and support their efforts to maintain independence and health and pursue interests and hobbies.
- Confidentiality: Respect the individual’s privacy and maintain confidentiality regarding their personal and medical information.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience: Previous experience in caregiving or personal assistance is desirable. Experience working with disabled individuals is highly preferred.
- Knowledge: Understanding of disability and accessibility considerations. Familiarity with assistive devices and adaptive technology and techniques.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact effectively with the individual, their family, and other professionals.
- Interpersonal Skills: Compassionate, patient, and empathetic demeanour. Ability to build a trusting and supportive relationship with the individual.
- Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect the individual’s autonomy and privacy.
- Driving: Must possess a valid driving licence and have the ability to drive the individual to appointments and outings.
- Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to the individual’s needs and schedule. Ability to handle unexpected situations with calm and professionalism, including helping the individual stay calm during stressful situations.
- Creative Thinking: Ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to challenges. This includes adapting activities and tasks to suit the individual’s needs and preferences, and coming up with new ways to support their independence and well-being.
- Mental Health Understanding: Demonstrates an understanding and patience when it comes to mental health conditions such as anxiety. Ability to provide emotional support and create a calm, reassuring environment.
Additional Information:
- Work Schedule: The position may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on the individual’s needs. The position requires around 5 hours per week. The candidate should be willing to accommodate the individual’s schedule and be available for support as needed.
- Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is £15.
Person Specification
We are looking for a truly special individual to join us as a Personal Assistant for a disabled adult with left-sided Hemiplegia and left Hemianopia. The person we seek is someone who embodies empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on another person’s life.
The ideal candidate will naturally exude warmth and compassion. They will have a deep understanding of the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, and they will approach their role with a heartfelt commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the individual they support. This person should be a great listener, always ready to lend an ear and provide emotional support when needed.
We are looking for someone who is incredibly patient and calm, even in the face of challenges. This person should have a soothing presence, able to help the individual stay calm during stressful situations. They will be adaptable and flexible, willing to adjust to the individual’s needs and schedule without hesitation. Their ability to remain composed and professional in unexpected situations will be a key asset.
Creativity and a positive outlook are also essential traits. The ideal candidate will have a knack for thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges. They will bring a sense of joy and enthusiasm to their work, always looking for new ways to support the individual’s independence and well-being. Their positive attitude will be infectious, helping to create a cheerful and uplifting environment.
Empathy is at the core of this role. The right person will have a genuine ability to put themselves in the individual’s shoes, understanding their experiences and responding to their needs with sensitivity and care. They will be someone who truly cares about making a difference and is dedicated to providing consistent and supportive care.
Reliability and dependability are crucial. The ideal candidate will be someone who can be counted on to be there when needed, providing consistent support and ensuring that the individual’s needs are met. They will take their responsibilities seriously and approach their role with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
We are also looking for someone who is discreet and respectful of privacy. This person will understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and will handle personal and medical information with the utmost care and discretion. They will respect the individual’s autonomy and privacy, always prioritising their dignity and independence.
A sense of humour and a light-hearted approach can go a long way in this role. The ideal candidate will be someone who can bring a smile to the individual's face, sharing moments of laughter and joy. They will be able to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, making each day a little brighter. Having a sense of fun and a good sense of humour is essential, as it helps to build a strong, positive relationship and makes the daily routine more enjoyable for both the individual and the assistant.
In addition to these personality traits, the ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in supporting individuals with disabilities. They will be knowledgeable about disability and accessibility considerations, and they will have a strong commitment to learning and growing in their role. They will be open to feedback and eager to improve their skills and knowledge.
The ideal candidate will also be someone who encourages the individual to stay active and engaged, not allowing the disability to become an excuse for inactivity. They will motivate and support the individual in pursuing their interests and goals, fostering a sense of independence and achievement.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the life of a disabled adult, providing essential support and enhancing their quality of life.
Certainly! Here are the key personality traits for a personal assistant to a disabled person, with a focus on promoting their employer's independence, written in British English:
Key Attributes
- Empathetic: Understanding and sensitive to the needs and feelings of the employer.
- Patient: Able to handle situations calmly and without frustration.
- Reliable: Consistently dependable and trustworthy.
- Respectful: Honours the dignity and privacy of the employer.
- Adaptable: Flexible and able to adjust to changing needs and circumstances.
- Good Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively communicates with the employer and others involved in their care.
- Problem-Solver: Able to think critically and find solutions to challenges.
- Encouraging: Motivates and supports the employer in achieving their goals.
- Organised: Manages tasks efficiently and keeps things in order.
- Compassionate: Shows genuine care and concern for the employer's well-being.
- Discreet: Maintains confidentiality and respects the employer's privacy.
- Proactive: Anticipates needs and takes initiative to address them.
- Positive Attitude: Maintains an optimistic and encouraging demeanour.
- Physically Fit: Capable of performing tasks that may require physical effort.
- Willing to Learn: Open to acquiring new skills and knowledge to better assist the employer.