Personal Assistant (Supporting Independence) for a 16-year-old Young Woman with Cerebral P - WAKEFIELD - WF3
Job Reference (421cc46e)
Location: East Ardsley (WF3)
Rate of Pay: In line with Direct Payments (currently £13.23 per hour)
Hours (Term Time Only)
Approximately:
Monday-Friday: 3.45pm-6.00pm
(Hours may vary slightly as college transport arrangements for college are finalised.)
There may also be opportunities for additional hours during weekends and school holidays, although these are not essential.
Start Date: September 2026 (with paid introductory and training sessions beforehand).
About Lizzie
Lizzie is a funny, determined and engaging 16-year-old who is about to begin an exciting new chapter at college.
She 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.
Lizzie loves music, dancing, spending time in the community, shopping, going to the cinema and socialising with friends and family. She enjoys public speaking and hopes to become a journalist in the future.
She communicates verbally and is well understood by people who know her. She also uses a communication aid to support conversations if needed.
Like many young people, Lizzie can sometimes feel anxious, particularly when routines change or she is faced with new situations. She responds best to someone who is calm, encouraging and able to help her think through situations without taking over.
About the Role
This is much more than a care role.
We're looking for someone who will support Lizzie to become increasingly independent as she moves into adulthood. You'll work alongside her, encouraging her to make choices, develop confidence and enjoy new experiences, while providing the practical support she needs.
Your role will include:
- Supporting with all aspects of personal care.
- Assisting with transfers (full training provided).
- Supporting Lizzie to prepare food and develop her independent living skills.
- Helping with college work where appropriate.
- Supporting her to access leisure activities and the local community.
- Encouraging independence while providing reassurance and appropriate prompting when needed.
The Person We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is warm, positive and genuinely enjoys supporting young people to achieve their goals.
Just as importantly, we're looking for someone who is emotionally mature, calm under pressure and able to use their own initiative.
The right person will:
- Be patient, kind and encouraging.
- Have a good sense of humour (Lizzie loves to laugh).
- Be naturally observant and able to recognise when support or reassurance is needed.
- Know when to step in and when to step back, encouraging independence rather than doing things for Lizzie.
- Be confident using their own initiative rather than waiting to be directed.
- Be calm, solution-focused and able to help Lizzie work through challenges positively.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully, maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.
- Be flexible and adaptable, particularly as Lizzie settles into college and develops greater independence.
- Be reliable, punctual and committed to building a consistent relationship with Lizzie and her family.
Essential Criteria
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
- Ability to support with transfers (training provided).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Reliability and flexibility.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supporting young people or adults with physical disabilities.
- Experience of Cerebral Palsy (although this is not essential).
- 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.
Above all, we're looking for the right person rather than the most experienced person. If you're kind, thoughtful, willing to learn and passionate about supporting a young person to live as independently as possible, we'd love to hear from you.
Services
Meal Preparation
Personal Care
Social + Leisure activities
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