2 PAs required to assist gentleman with day-to-day tasks, 6 hrs p/w @ £12.89 p/h - Fakenham - NR21
Job Reference (a4005c52)
Job Purpose:
Trauma-informed mental health and Epilepsy support for a 40-year-old gentleman with CPTSD, ADHD, ASD, and Epilepsy. Due to extreme childhood abuse and systemic neglect, he has had limited access to education or stable support to develop his independence and interests as he is very keen to do (particularly around finances, DIY and gardening). Support is required primarily in the afternoons into the evenings, due to medication side effects limiting morning activity.
The goal is to act as a consistent, reliable and supportive presence who can facilitate an environment that is safe in relation to seizures, help the gentleman to regulate his emotions when upset or anxious, and support independence and skill development around his goals. A usual shift may involve the first hour spent discussing recent stresses over a coffee / drive / walk to "let the stress out of the bucket" (helping to manage his CPTSD and reducing risk of seizures), followed by agreed daily tasks to develop and maintain independence and self-esteem.
This is a "hands-on" role; you must be happy to engage in banter, gardening, household chores, DIY and community activities alongside him, as well as helping look up important information (e.g., activities, financial options, etc.). You will be a vital part of a professional network supporting his journey further through ‘recovery’ from trauma (he has regular Trauma Therapy and has a trauma-informed support plan in place), while maintaining the understanding that certain needs linked to his ADHD, ASD, and Epilepsy are permanent and will remain present.
Location: Norfolk, NR21
Details:
Safety Supervision: You will provide 1-to-1 support at all times to ensure safety in the case of seizures.
Epilepsy Care and Monitoring: You will follow his Epilepsy Care Plan.
Emergency Medical Response: You will be supported to recognise signs of seizure and take control of the environment if one occurs. This includes administering emergency medication (unless you already have this training you will not be expected to administer until fully trained).
Post-Seizure Support and Hygiene: You will provide gentle, verbal guidance to support regaining clarity after a seizure; this involves assisting with practical tasks if incontinence has occurred and indirect supervising while toileting or showering to prevent falls or support if there is a secondary seizure.
Mental Health support: The first hour of every visit will usually be dedicated to helping "let the stress out of the bucket" through calm conversation or shared interests.
Health Admin and Reminders: You will provide a "memory backup" for daily health needs; timely reminders to take medication and noticing early signs of physical or emotional distress so that they can be managed before they become a bigger problem.
Budgeting and Money management support: You will provide practical oversight for some financial tasks to develop independence skills, reduce anxiety and help prevent impulsive spending. This includes co-planning the monthly bulk food shop, comparing prices to ensure value for money, helping him keep track of receipts, and providing a calm, reassuring presence if an error occurs.
Skill Building, Motivation and Focus: You will act as a "working partner" (‘body doubling’), providing positive motivation and encouragement while tasks are being completed together, to help him maintain focus and finish tasks, while providing advice and guidance to help ensure activities are done safely, along with support to develop and learn new skills based on his goals.
Household Management: You will be "hands-on" with the physical upkeep of the home and garden; engaging in DIY projects and regular gardening. Supporting taking care of the dogs, which includes transporting them in your own vehicle to enable days out, walks, or vet visits. Must also be okay with technology and using / learning to use household digital assistive technology (Alexa, Skylight, & Helpilepsy).
Cleaning and Hygiene Support: You will help create and maintain a clean living environment by assisting with everyday chores like vacuuming, washing up, and taking out the bins. You will also be asked to provide immediate, non-judgmental support and practical help following a seizure, such as stripping and remaking the bed or cleaning the floor.
Medication Reminders: Medication reminders, checking medication stocks and timely prompt to order medication when stocks are running low.
Social duties: Accessing the Community. You will provide the transport and physical presence needed for safety, including transport to regular commitments like The Nurture Project, shopping, collecting medication, attending appointments (e.g., ECGs, GP), and facilitating routine self-care, such as getting a haircut or going for a coffee or walk.
Confidence Building & Social Advocacy: You will act as a "social buffer" to help the gentleman navigate the world with less anxiety by providing calm, non-judgmental support and helping explain situations and choices in simple terms (providing communication support).
Safety During Outings: Supporting safety from seizures in the community; this includes walking "roadside", monitoring for signs of an oncoming seizure, and, if a seizure occurs in public, taking control of the situation, preserving dignity, and calling for emergency help (999) if required.
Hobbies and Being Active: You will help by participating in shared interests; his gardening and DIY projects, and finding new ways to reduce isolation and achieve more fulfilling life.
Person specification
Essential:
· Mobility: Must hold a Full UK Driving License and have access to your own
reliable car (and be willing to allow dogs in the vehicle).
· Physicality: Happy and able to perform physical work, specifically gardening and
DIY tasks.
· Must be comfortable and confident around dogs.
· Temperament: has a calm, upbeat presence; has a "thick skin" regarding forthright abuse disclosures and sometimes offensive language
· Situational Awareness: The ability to "read the room" to identify rising stress
levels early and prevent escalation.
· Core Knowledge: A foundational understanding of (or a genuine willingness to
learn about) Epilepsy, Trauma-Informed Support, ASD, and ADHD.
Desirable:
· Complex Care Experience: Previous experience supporting individuals with
CPTSD or developmental trauma.
· Medical Familiarity: Prior experience or certification in administering emergency
epilepsy medication or managing post-seizure care.
· Neurodiversity Background: Practical experience working with adults who have
ASD and ADHD, particularly regarding "body doubling" and executive function
support.
· De-escalation Skills: Training in "Low Arousal" approaches or positive
behavioural support to help manage moments of agitation or anger.
· Personality Match: A naturally "cheeky" or personable character who enjoys
banter and can build a peer-like, trusting relationship.
· If you enjoy football, PC City Building Games, music and nice cars, that's also a bonus.
Summary terms and conditions:
· The rate of pay for this position is £12.89 per hour.
· Hours and times of work: two posts of 6 hours per week, exact days and timing will be discussed at the interview.
· The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work I would normally expect to be done during 5.6 consecutive weeks.
· This position requires the employee to complete the following free annual training: GDPR, Health and Safety, First Aid, COSHH, Personal Care, Autism, Epilepsy.
Post is subject to the following:
· A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, the cost of which will be covered by the employer.
· Satisfactory references from two referees, one of which must be your current or last employer.
· Completion of a satisfactory probationary period of 6 months.
Services
Personal Care
Domestic Care
Social + Leisure activities
Support to remain independent
Training
Safeguarding Adults/Children
Understanding challenging behaviour
First Aid
Autism / Aspergers
Transportation
Full UK driving license
Own personal car
Medical
Epilepsy Awareness
Schedule, Pay & Hours
Time
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
ONA = Overnight Awake / ONS = Overnight Sleep