Personal Assistant / Companions

• Suffolk Independent Living - Bury St Edmunds. Suffolk
• £12.50 per hour for day shifts, £15 per hour for night shifts
• Full Time or Part Time
• Permanent
• Reference: 0535

Job Description

I am looking for enthusiastic and caring Personal Assistants / Companions to help and support me as I learn to live independently whilst you remain my friend and companion. This is especially important as I have recently moved into my own flat. I am looking for someone who is willing to adapt any previous knowledge and experience to suit my needs. This position will take place both in my home and outdoors where you’ll support me in my activities.

About me

My name is Rory and I’m 28 years old. I am a man with autism and learning difficulties, and I would love for you to be able to support me with enjoying my hobbies and activities. I am very energetic and enjoy walking long distances, going to the gym and being active in nature. I love parks and trees whatever the weather, come rain or shine. My family are incredibly important to me and are a huge part of my life. I also love Disney, especially 80’s and 90’s classic films, and I have an amazing collection of castles and toys from these movies. Although I am non-verbal, with patience and support you will see me for who I am. Your support will enable me to live a more fulfilling and fun-filled life.

Important considerations

• I am very sensitive to smells and love for my clothes to be fully clean.
• It is extremely vital for me to decompress between activities and socialising, which I do by relaxing on my Kindle Fire and watching Disney films. Therefore, it is very important my Kindle is always fully charged.
• I have lots of energy and I would like for you to engage in activities with me.
• The successful candidate will be employed directly by my mother.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This role will primarily consist of supporting me generally, both in the community and at home. This will include:

• Assisting with shopping.
• Domestic duties, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging me to maintain a clean home.
• Supervising me with my own personal care.
• Organise and plan days out and activities, such as going for a walk, or going to the park.

Essential criteria

Candidates will be required to match the following criteria:

• Previous experience in a similar position.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Able to get to Bury quickly on short notice.
• Professional and committed approach.
• Patience and understanding when it comes to my needs.
• Must work successfully with other members of my team to produce the best results for my wellbeing.

Desirable criteria

• Driver’s license is desirable for mobility and travelling to nearby activities.
• Confident, proactive, and creative, especially in taking client out to activities and finding ways of engaging me in the activity. Enjoy being outside, walking and being energetic.
• Experience in PEC’s and Makaton (BSL would be good).
• Willing to undertake training by shadowing team members and completing further training courses.

Shifts

As I require 24-hour care, 7 days a week, there are multiple full and part time hours available.

Day hours: 7am – 10pm (2 shifts worked by 2 workers)

• 1st day shift: 7am – 3pm
• 2nd day shift: 3pm – 10pm

Night hours: 10pm – 7am

Annual Leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position is 5.6 weeks pro-rata.

Expenses

You will be reimbursed for any agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.

The post is subject to the following

• A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and 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 3 months.

Closing date: 9 am, 3 April 2024.

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, the cost of which will be covered by the employer. You must also provide satisfactory references from two referees, one of which must be your current or last employer. This post is also subject to the completion of a satisfactory probationary period of 6 months.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Salary: From £12.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Day range:

• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday

Shift:

• Day shift
• Night shift

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: 0535