Personal Assistant - JOB ID FOCLC0626

Job Description – FOCLC0626

• Job Identity

Job Title:                        Personal Assistant (Social Support)

Location of Job:             Fochabers 

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

Working Hours:               20 hours per week

Shift Pattern:                   3 x 5-hour shifts per week (days to be confirmed) + additional 5 hours to be used for short breaks.

• Rate of Pay

£16.88 per hour

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 Fochabers is not included.

• Job Purpose and Way of Working

The decision to select a Social PA for this 17-year-old young man’s year out is grounded in the understanding that, as a young person with autism, he faces unique challenges in both academic achievement and social communication. The PA's specialist support is designed not only to facilitate his engagement in college-like routines but also to nurture his self-confidence in classroom settings, where the ability to speak up and interact with others can be particularly daunting. To best support his gradual development, the PA will initially remain close by, offering reassurance and direct guidance during group activities and classroom discussions. Over time, as his confidence and independence grow, the PA will strategically move to less prominent positions, first by sitting further around the table, then behind him, and eventually integrating into other groups. This phased withdrawal ensures he is never left unsupported but is given the space to practise autonomy and build resilience, mirroring the progressive reduction of support he will experience in college. Should he require assistance, the PA will remain accessible, though not always in direct sight, allowing him to navigate challenges independently while knowing help is available when needed.

It is important to recognise that his academic progress may be limited by his autistic profile, and the Social PA's role is not solely to maximise academic outcomes but rather to provide holistic support that enables him to achieve his personal best. By focusing on strengthening his confidence in social and educational environments, the PA helps him to overcome barriers, develop essential life skills, and prepare for the realities of college life. The flexibility and sensitivity of this approach make the Social PA the ideal choice for his year out, ensuring he is empowered to succeed within his capabilities and transition confidently into further education.

         Main responsibilities and duties:

• PA will create and follow a weekly timetable that mirrors college-style routine (set start times, travel, planned activities, breaks). PA will support to practise coping with changes using clear preparation, visual/verbal prompts, and consistent expectations.
• PA will use trusted relationship-based support to encourage to respond directly where possible, using prompting, choices, and time to process. PA will help practise asking for help, making requests, and responding to questions during activities and community groups.
• PA will accompany to community lunches, local groups and the Buckie Hub, supporting introductions, turn-taking, and appropriate interaction with peers/staff, gradually increasing independence as confidence grows.
• PA will provide 1:1 supervision when out, using agreed safety strategies (close proximity, clear boundaries, planned routes, and calm redirection). PA will support safe road crossing, travel routines, and slowing down when walking quickly.
• PA will maintain a consistent schedule and provide advance notice of changes to reduce anxiety and likelihood of meltdowns. PA will identify triggers (including specific phrases/words) and use de-escalation strategies and breaks when needed.
• During sessions, PA will prompt and model daily living tasks in an age-appropriate way (e.g., reminders for hygiene/handwashing, supporting safe meal preparation/cutting food, encouraging self-management of personal care items such as gentle soap/hand cream), with step-down prompting over time.

Any questions concerning these duties may be asked at the interview stage. Full training will be provided for all successful applicants.

·      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

·      Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle with the ability to provide proof of valid business insurance

·      Right to work in the UK

    Preferred/Desirable Qualities and Experience

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

·      Experience supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities

·      Understanding of safeguarding and child 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

None

·               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

Relevant training will be provided and paid for by the employer. This will include:

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·      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 FOCLC0626 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.