Personal assistant - JOB ID: NEMIWIFA2906

Job Description – [NEMIWIFA2906]

Job Identity

Job Title:                         Personal Assistant (Social Support)

Location of Job:              Newmill  

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

£16.88

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 Newmill is not included.

Job Purpose and Way of Working

To provide meaningful support to an elderly gentleman living at home. This gentleman has interests in computing, gardening, and motorbikes. He also has a cat at home for company and enjoys sitting outside the Croft watching wildlife. At present, he is also spending time watching a new home being built not far from his property. These interests could provide meaningful opportunities for conversation and community connection with the right support in place.

         Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·      provide consistent one-to-one support, spend time talking with him, and offer companionship at home or in the community. This would be met: through planned visits and regular time together, helping to reduce loneliness and build a trusted supportive relationship.

·      assist with transport, accompany him into town, and support him to attend appointments, cafes, shops, or local activities of interest. This would be met: by providing reliable practical support that enables him to leave the house safely and take part in community life on a regular basis.

·      encourage conversation, help him reconnect with familiar places or interests, and support gradual involvement in social opportunities at a pace that suits him. This would be met: through consistent relationship-based support that allows trust to develop over time and promotes confidence in social situations.

·      help plan regular outings, identify enjoyable activities, and establish a predictable routine that includes meaningful social engagement. This would be met: through ongoing support tailored to his preferences, helping him maintain connection, purpose, and overall wellbeing.

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

·      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

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. Any Social Personal Assistant supporting should have appropriate knowledge and training in dementia awareness, adult support and protection, lone working, fire safety, first aid, and risk awareness within the home and community. It would also be important for the PA to have good communication skills, an understanding of how to build trust over time, and the ability to support an older adult in a way that is respectful, consistent, and focused on maintaining independence and reducing isolation.

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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 NEMIWIFA2906 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.