Personal Assistant - Job ID: KEIISDI2906

Job Description – [KEIISDI2906]

Job Identity

Job Title:                         Personal Assistant (Social Support)

Location of Job:              Keith

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

Working Hours:               3 hours per week

Shift Pattern:                   To be mutually agreed

Rate of Pay

£13.45

IF APPLICABLE

Mileage will be paid at 45p 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 Keith is not included.

Job Purpose and Way of Working

To provide meaningful social support to a lady who has a wide range of interests and has always enjoyed activities that connect her to the community and to nature. She loves classical music and previously enjoyed outings to visit large gardens, coastal drives, and antique shops. She also enjoyed painting and gardening, although due to her mobility difficulties and reduced fine motor skills she is no longer able to take part in gardening as she once did. A gardener now attends to the back garden, which helps maintain an aspect of her home environment that remains important to her.

         Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·      Supporting to access outings in the community, spend time in places she enjoys, and maintain regular social engagement beyond essential shopping trips.

·      Assisting with preparation to go out, wheelchair management, transfers in and out of the car, and support to safely use accessible toilets when in the community.

• Working at supported persons pace, listening to her preferences, and supporting outings that reflect her interests, routines, and personal choices.
• Supporting to attend outings further afield in Moray, including places that offer enjoyment, stimulation, and connection to the wider community.
• Providing practical assistance that enables supported person to leave her home safely and confidently while preserving her dignity, independence, and established routines.

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 Qualities and Experience

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

·      Experience supporting individuals with 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

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

Full training will be provided and paid for by the employer.

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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 KEIISDI2906 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.