Direct Payment Support Worker / Personal Assistant (VAC/0624/04152)

PERSONAL ASSISTANT / SUPPORT WORKER REQUIRED

Job advert: VAC/0624/04152

Challenging but extremely rewarding opportunity to help a young man overcome obstacles in his life to fulfil his goal of going to college and be able to move forward with his life.

About me:

My son is a lovely and warm hearted 16 year old, with a great, cheeky, dry sense of humour! He enjoys learning and wants to complete an IT course at college. He engages with people that he is familiar with and trusts.

He is passionate about things and is an avid collector of Marvel and its figures. He is very keen to succeed & try as hard as he can.

We are looking for a patient, friendly individual to gradually assist my 16 year old son to support and empower him to achieve his goals.

My son was diagnosed with severe obsessive Compulsive Disorder when he was young, and experiences high levels of anxiety. These now impact his day to day life, with his life virtually being put on hold due to his struggles with his mental health. Due to the OCDS, he struggles to touch objects including door handles and light switches and he struggles with being rushed and needs someone who can support him at a gradual and calm pace. He is also neuro-diverse.

On a good day, he may come out with me but this can take weeks for him to prepare although he is more motivated at these times and will try hard to overcome some of his anxieties and OCD. On a bad day though he may find it impossible to leave the security of his bedroom, feeling very low and stressed.

My son recognises the limitations that the OCD and anxieties put on his life and has a long term goal to be able to attend the local college, make friends and do things that regular teenagers do.

He does not cope well with change, and it is vital that the person supporting him is able and willing to be patient with him, enabling my son to process information and respond in his time so that he does not become overwhelmed. It is important that he is not pushed into doing things that he does not feel prepared for.

Assisting, supporting, enabling and encouraging my son to achieve his goals will not be straightforward with barriers along the way, and will take a lot of time, patience and gradual steps but we hope by recruiting the right person to help him reach his full potential – this will be the first step moving forward to a more positive future for my son.

The kind of person I’m looking for:

• I’m seeking a good, humoured individual who has a genuine passion for supporting others.

• I’m looking for someone who is, kind, sincere, and most importantly, patient.

• They must be able to support and empower my son to be able to set gradual goals to achieve his outcomes, and assertive in their approach (but not pushy).

• Similar hobbies and interests would be an advantage.

• You should work in a way which promotes independence and supports abilities and strengths.

• Experience in supporting someone with their mental health would be beneficial especially if you have supported someone previously with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Someone who is able to provide encouragement, reassurance and praise.

• You will need to have a clean and full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

• Enhanced DBS must be in place prior to support starting – the DBS is completed as no cost by my Local Authority

What can you expect from me?

 A friendly and welcoming workplace where you will feel valued

 Access to training and learning opportunities.

 To be able to make a positive difference in my son’s life

 5.6 weeks annual leave (pro-rata)

 Good rate of pay.

Days and Times required:

6 hours per week – with a flexible approach

To be agreed with the successful candidate

Necessary Training (can be completed during induction into the role):

• PA Induction certificate which will form part of the induction into the role

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Awareness

• Mental health awareness

Hourly Rate: £15.23 per hour

Closing Date: 14th July 2024

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Please note that Flintshire Council is not the Employer; instead we are acting on behalf of your employer. We will aim to hold interview within 2 weeks of the closing date.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been short-listed for interview on this particular occasion.

If you have any further queries in regards to the role please contact us on 01352 701100 or on dp.support@flintshire.gov.uk

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £15.23 per hour

Expected hours: 6 per week

Benefits:

• Referral programme

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/07/2024
Reference ID: VAC/0624/04152