Personal Assistant - JOB ID BUCJB0926

Job Description – [BUCJB0926]

Job Identity

Job Title:                         Personal Assistant (Social Support)

Location of Job:              Buckie

Term:                               Permanent, subject to a satisfactory three-month trial period

Working Hours:               4 per week

Shift Pattern:                   2 x 2 hour afternoons (days flexible) after 12pm

Rate of Pay

£13.45

IF APPLICABLE

Mileage will be paid at 55p per mile whilst the individual is travelling in the Personal Assistant’s vehicle as part of agreed support activities. Travel to and from the Personal Assistant’s place of work in Buckie is not included.

Job Purpose and Way of Working

To support an elderly gentleman for 2 afternoons per week providing social support and company for the gentleman whilst his wife can enjoy planned time away from her caring role to rest and attend appointments.

         Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·      offer companionship and conversation, reducing isolation without relying solely on family members

·      work at the gentleman’s pace, enabling participation that would not be safe or manageable for him to access independently due to his Parkinson's symptoms and mobility risks

·      provide structure during the day, helping him feel settled and supported alongside his existing care package.

·      provide planned social input that complements family and formal care, helping reduce isolation, manage risk and sustain his home situation

Person Specification

    Essential Requirements

·      Reliable, punctual and trustworthy

·      Good communication and listening skills

·      Kind, patient and respectful approach

·      Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

·      Understanding of person-centred support and promoting independence

·      Ability to work flexibly and follow direction from the employer/family

·      Confident in supporting individuals in the community and social settings

·      Ability to encourage social inclusion and build confidence

·      Basic awareness or health and safety responsibilities

·      Ability to work independently and use initiative appropriately

·      Willingness to support with mobility needs where required

·      Right to work in the UK

              Preferred Qualities and Experience

·      Previous experience working as a Personal Assistant, Support Worker or Carer

·      Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, Parkinsons, dementia, mobility difficulties

·      Understanding of safeguarding and adult protection practices

·      Moving and handling experience or training

·      Knowledge of the local area

·      Ability to support individuals to appointments, hobbies, and social activities

·      Experience promoting independence and confidence building skills

·      Flexible availability to cover holidays or sickness where required

·      Comfortable working in a family home environment

    Additional Information

Supervision and reporting relationships

Personal Assistants will be directed by and accountable to the employer. It is necessary to ask the employer what the support needs are, observing her directions and requests. It is also necessary to respect the family privacy and to always maintain confidentiality. The Personal Assistant must adhere to the agreed tasks within the job description, manual handling assessment, and all relevant risk assessments at all times, even where alternative instructions or requests are made by the supported individual or family members

Training

The PA would ideally have an understanding of Parkinson's disease and how it affects mobility, communication and confidence; falls awareness and safe support when walking or accessing the community; awareness of freezing episodes and fatigue; safe moving and assisting principles; communication support, including speaking face-to-face due to his hearing difficulties and reliance on lip-reading; and guidance around maintaining dignity, privacy and independence. The PA should also be familiar with emergency procedures, when to seek help, and how to report any concerns to the employer.

.

References and the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme

A reference from 2 employers, one of which should be current or recent is required. Employees will be required to register with the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme. Further information can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

To apply for this position, please contact SDSpersonalassistants@moray.gov.uk quoting BUCJB0926 for an application pack

The Moray Council Self-Directed Support Team exists to support people to employ their own Personal Assistants and/or purchase services using Direct Payments. As an organisation we are not the employer but merely assist people to recruit staff when required. If you are employed, your contract will be with the person in receipt of the Direct Payment and not with The Moray Council.