The aim of the job is to provide assistance to a young person with Down syndrome and Autism.
A Personal Assistant is employed to help the young person to live their life the way they choose whilst at the same time giving them guidance.
Getting the right assistance when I need it will allow me to lead my life independently when I am older. A Personal Assistant will enable me to do this by listening to the guidance provided by my parents and following any instructions along with spending time to get to know me. Sometimes I find it hard to communicate what I need and therefore it is vital that an employee has good communication and listening skills.
The job involves assisting me with a variety of tasks. Like most people, my day varies so it is difficult to list every task that is expected of a Personal Assistant.
After a period of familiarisation with the duties, you will be required to assist me with the following tasks, sometimes without close supervision from my parents. The post holder will therefore need to be able to work on their own initiative whilst at the same time be respectful of my own and my parents wishes
It is essential that the postholder is a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme or is willing to join.
The job requires providing assistance with the following:
Personal Tasks
▪ Assistance with dressing and undressing, including assistance to wear appropriate clothing.
▪ Assistance with brushing hair and teeth.
▪ Assistance with toileting.
Domestic Tasks
▪ Preparing and cooking food.
▪ Washing dishes and general cleaning of kitchen.
▪ Assistance with shopping.
Independent Living Skills
▪ Travelling safely.
▪ Budgeting and money skills.
▪ Communication.
Social Tasks
▪ Help to go to cinema, theatre with or without friends.
▪ Help to interact with other people.
▪ Assistance when going out for a walk and park.
▪ Shopping for pleasure.
▪ Assistance with art projects
▪ Assistance with other leisure activities e.g. board-games, baking, music, dancing and playing.
Other Tasks
▪ Driving.
▪ Any other reasonable task
I am looking for a Personal Assistant who is friendly and approachable with a good sense of humour. They must be reliable, friendly, easy going and patient. It is important that an employee is aware of and sensitive to my daughter’s needs. As a Personal Assistant is required to work one-to one, it is important that the employer and employee maintain an open and honest relationship.
The rate of pay is £12.60
The post is for 10 hours per week and the shifts will be TBC
How to apply
To apply:
To apply please apply with a CV and cover letter expressing interest. Email a CV and covering letter including reference number LV WL to pajobs@lothiancil.org.uk.