Personal Assistant – After College & Flexible Support - WAKEFIELD - WF3
Job Reference (00b1dac0)
Location: East Ardsley (WF3)
Rate of Pay: In line with Direct Payments (currently £13.40 per hour)
Hours: Flexible, term-time hours with opportunities for additional weekend/holiday work
Typical weekday availability: 3.30pm–6.15pm
Job share welcomed
We are looking for one or more Personal Assistants to support Lizzie, a funny, determined and sociable 16-year-old who is starting an exciting new chapter at college.
We don’t necessarily need someone every afternoon. As Lizzie becomes more independent, we’re learning that sometimes what she wants after a busy day at college is simply some downtime at home – just like any other teenager!
We are therefore looking to build a small, flexible team around her. This could suit someone looking for one or two regular afternoons a week, rather than someone who can commit to every weekday.
There may also be opportunities for additional hours at weekends and during college holidays, particularly to support Lizzie to get out and about and do the things she enjoys. These additional hours are optional and can be discussed depending on your availability.
About Lizzie
Lizzie has Cerebral Palsy, uses a powered wheelchair and is passionate about becoming as independent as possible. She also has epilepsy, which is well controlled with medication.
She loves music, dancing, shopping, going to the cinema and spending time with friends and family. She enjoys public speaking and hopes to become a journalist in the future.
Lizzie communicates verbally and is well understood by people who know her. She also uses a communication aid to support conversations when needed.
Like many young people, Lizzie can sometimes feel anxious, particularly when routines change or she is faced with something new. She responds best to someone who is calm and encouraging and who can help her think things through without immediately stepping in or taking over.
About the Role
This is much more than a care role.
We’re looking for someone who can support Lizzie as she moves towards adulthood and greater independence.
Some afternoons that might mean helping with personal care, preparing something to eat or supporting college work. On others, it might mean going shopping, heading to the cinema, meeting friends or getting out into the community.
Importantly, good support for Lizzie also means knowing when not to step in. We want the people around her to give her the time and space to make decisions, solve problems and do things for herself wherever possible.
The role may include:
- Supporting with all aspects of personal care.
- Assisting with transfers (full training provided).
- Supporting Lizzie to prepare food and develop independent living skills.
- Helping with college work where appropriate.
- Supporting her to access leisure activities and the local community.
- Encouraging her to make her own choices and become increasingly independent.
- Providing reassurance and prompting when needed, while knowing when to step back.
Who Are We Looking For?
You don’t need years of care experience.
We’re much more interested in finding someone who gets Lizzie, enjoys spending time with young people and understands that good support is about enabling someone rather than doing everything for them.
You might be a great fit if you are:
- Warm, patient and encouraging.
- Someone with a good sense of humour – Lizzie loves to laugh.
- Calm and emotionally mature.
- Naturally observant and able to recognise when someone needs support or reassurance.
- Comfortable using your own initiative.
- Able to step in when needed – and equally able to step back.
- Positive and solution-focused when things don’t go to plan.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Flexible as Lizzie settles into college and her routines and independence develop.
- Able to build a positive relationship while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Essential
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
- Willingness and ability to support with transfers (full training provided).
- Good communication skills.
- Reliability and flexibility.
Desirable – But Not Essential
- Experience supporting young people or adults with physical disabilities.
- Experience or knowledge of Cerebral Palsy.
- Basic ICT skills, as Lizzie uses a communication aid and completes some college work online.
Full training will be provided, including all aspects of Lizzie’s care and the use of equipment.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged through Leeds DP and PA Support Hub. Payroll is managed by Barrie Bookkeeping.
Interested?
Above all, we’re looking for the right person, not the most experienced person.
If you are kind, thoughtful, willing to learn and would enjoy supporting a young person to have more choice, confidence and independence as she moves into adulthood, we’d really like to hear from you.
You do not need to be available every weekday. Please get in touch and tell us a little about yourself, why the role interests you and which afternoons/weekends you might be available.
Services
Meal Preparation
Personal Care
Social + Leisure activities
Support to remain independent
Training
Essential PA Guide
Safeguarding Adults/Children
Moving & Handling
First Aid
Transportation
Full UK driving license
Own personal car
Medical
Safe Administration of Medication
Epilepsy Awareness
Schedule, Pay & Hours
Time
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
ONA = Overnight Awake / ONS = Overnight Sleep