personal assistant Reading, England
Job description
FOREIGN NATIONALS - Under UK law, because this position is in a private household, unfortunately I cannot sponsor your visa application.
I am a 42yo disabled man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I employ a team of PAs to support me 24/7 living independently at home, and going out and about professionally and socially. I am currently looking for bank staff to cover sickness and holidays.
I will contact you whenever I have shifts to cover, and you can choose whether you want each shift. For holiday cover I can give 2-3 weeks notice and there will also be shifts that come up at short notice. There's no obligation to do any of the shifts, just take whatever shifts you can.
I'm looking for someone who can be flexible and can work days, nights and weekends.
I'm looking for someone to start as soon as possible but am happy to wait for the right person if they need to give notice to another employer.
About me
I have severe muscle weakness in all areas which restricts all movement, requiring the use of a ventilator and electric wheelchair. I require assistance with all aspects of personal care, getting out socially and at-work support, full training is given. You must be OK with cats (I have two), and be comfortable supporting me as a gay man currently dating. I enjoy travelling, going out with friends and drinking cocktails and love to have fun. During the day I'm either working from home or at the office.
What I'm looking for
As this role involves personal care, it is most important for me to find someone who I can build a rapport with. The ideal candidate for this role will be punctual, reliable, trustworthy, caring and understanding. But it's not all hard grind, we have fun and there's an opportunity to build a lasting connection and friendship.
You will be able to recognise the responsibility of your role in maintaining my well-being without becoming overwhelmed by it. The job will feel intense at first but once you learn the job it becomes much easier. You will be given extensive training, but it is important that you can be comfortable with the responsibility of supporting someone on life support. You will be comfortable taking direction from me on how to provide my care.
Although I am looking for someone who can be professional when needed, the role can also be social, fun and relaxed. My PAs have supported me to travel around the world and see lots of theatre shows and comedy gigs. My PAs are a vital part of my life. For me, the most important qualifications are your own personal qualities. If you have care experience that's a bonus, but no experience is required and full training will be given.
Job details
There will be busy periods, for example getting me up in the morning, preparing food & mealtimes, and putting me to bed, and on some days when supporting me to go out and about. At other times there will be quiet times when you will need to keep yourself occupied (you're welcome to use phones/laptops/tablets or study during that time).
Interviews will be carried out over video messaging - I can use zoom, Skype, FaceTime and most other platforms, whatever you prefer. If the interview is successful I will invite you to my flat for a practical trial.
Pay is £14 per hour (£15 if you are able to drive my van). You will be entitled to holiday pay and will be issued with an employment contract. There's an opportunity to earn additional pay of £1000-£2000 about twice a year if supporting me on holidays. All applicants must be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and provide references.
I aim to be a respectful, understanding and supportive employer, because I know that happy staff provide better care. I also personally invest hours of training in each new PA and want to see them succeed. This is NOT a generic job with an employer that doesn't care.
MAIN DUTIES: This is an overview of all the assistance I require, your specific duties will depend on the shifts you have agreed to. Training will be provided for all duties.
Supporting me to go out socially
Managing my ventilator and ensuring it is connected and functionally correctly at all times
Monitoring my health and wellbeing throughout the shift
Getting me washed, dressed and ready in the morning
Getting me undressed and ready for bed in the evenings
Assisting me with toileting
Assisting me with dental care, skin and nail care, including monitoring any problem areas
Preparing food and drink as required and helping to manage my diet plan.
Assisting me with eating at mealtimes.
Supporting me to access technology e.g. computers, TV, Ipad & phone
Support me with pet care for my cats – including feeding, cleaning litter trays and other pet care tasks
Assistance with turning, repositioning, toileting & monitoring of ventilation.
Sleeping will not be permitted on night shifts.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
Good observational skills
Ability to take instruction and listen carefully
Punctual, reliable and trustworthy
Good verbal communication skills
Not squeamish about personal care
No experience necessary but welcome
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Zero hours contract
Part-time hours: 8-24 per week
Salary: £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Night shift
- Overtime
- Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
- Loyalty bonus
Language:
- English fluently (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
