We are seeking to recruit:

Personal Assistant

Permanent position – hours negotiable (immediate start pending DBS)

Salary - £13.44 p/h

Based in the West Gateshead area, this rewarding role involves working closely with 12year old disabled twins within and outside of their own home. Duties and requirements will be to assist with a mixture of personal and medical care, and attendance at social activities. While this role involves some quite complex medical and personal care, applicants should be aware that the service users are children first, who love to have fun. An NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care and/or experience in working with children who have complex disabilities and health needs is desirable, although this could be negotiable for the right candidate. A full, clean driving licence is essential as driving a Motability vehicle may be required. In addition, the late/early hours and rural location will mean applicants must have their own transport. Due to the children’s health needs, a non-smoker is preferred.

Daily work will be around the employer's home, and out and about in the community. The hours of work will usually include but are not limited to overnight waking shifts, evening and daytime shifts of variable hours to include weekends and school holidays. Personal Assistants may be required to travel with the family to cover shifts on holiday. Some flexibility with working times/number of hours may be required to cover sickness and staff holidays.

Successful candidates must be very reliable, have good time keeping skills, and be aware of the high level of responsibility this role will involve. Candidates will be required to be able to work both independently as well as part of a team, working closely with other carers and parents, as well as being fit enough to perform tasks that involve moving and handling, personal and medical care. Successful candidates must be willing to undertake advanced training in tracheostomy and gastrostomy care, as well as any other training relevant to the role of Personal Assistant. The specialist nature of the training required, means this role will not be suitable for those looking for short term employment.

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this position, expense to be met by employer if the applicant does not already hold an enhanced transferrable DBS disclosure certificate.