Job Description

I live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but I refuse to let it define me.

I am a passionate man with many interests, including going to the theatre, gigs, films, politics, cooking and sharing food, and disability issues. I particularly enjoy trad music and learning Gaelic. I will return to my online university studies in September. I enjoy conversations about anything from the day's issues to philosophical questions. I also enjoy discussing the most random subjects, such as what if ostriches could fly or if pineapple belongs on pizza (it does not).

My sense of humour can be dark, dry, savage, or silly, depending on what I see or hear. If you are easily offended this job is not for you. But we will get along great if you can laugh at yourself and others.

As one of my Personal care Assistants you will be employed to support me in living how way I choose - to be my arms and legs. Getting the right assistance when I need it allows me to achieve my goals and lead my life independently. You will enable me to do this by listening to what I want and following my instructions. It is, therefore, vital that an employee has excellent communication and listening skills.

You will be joining a growing team of PAs, who willprovide my 24-hour care.

I have tracheostomy and a PEG feeding tube. Do not be put off by this - qualified nurses will train you.

The job also involves moving and handling, including use of a hoist etc. Training will be provided in the form of shadowing my current PAs.You do not need to be strong to do the job well, but good health is important.

After a period of familiarisation with the duties, you will be required to help me with the following tasks, sometimes without close supervision. You will therefore need to be able to work on their own initiative whilst at the same time being respectful of my wishes.

You will be working with me and alongside other PCAs for personal care and moving and handling. Other times you will be working alone with me.

I have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which PAs can be insured to drive.

If you are looking for a job that will challenge you, make you laugh, and help you make a difference in the world, this job is for you.

Like most people, my day varies, so it is impossible to list every task that my Personal Care Assistants expect. These tasks are shared among the team.

Tasks could include:

Medical tasks

Tracheostomy care

Operating ventilators

PEG feeding

Checking and giving medication

Checking and ordering prescriptions and tracheostomy supplies

Personal Tasks

Help me with showering / washing / brushing teeth / brushing hair / shaving / toileting.

Helping me with dressing and undressing.

Using a hoist to lift me.

Help me getting into/out of bed.

Positioning me in bed or my wheelchair.

Help with eating, drinking.

Domestic Tasks

Making and changing my bed.

Keeping my bathroom clean.

Preparing my meals, snacks, and drinks.

Washing dishes, kitchen equipment etc. used for my meals.

Washing and drying and ironing my clothes.

Keeping my bedroom and living clean and tidy.

Helping me with shopping.

Help to look after my dog.

Watering my plants if I have any.

Social Tasks

Helping me to go to pubs, cinema, theatre, museums, gigs, and social events with or without friends.

Help me to attend classes/courses.

Help while on day trips.

Help when going out for a walk (roll).

Shopping for pleasure.

Help with other leisure activities and hobbies, e.g., using games consoles using my record player.

Help with correspondence and general admin: phone calls, holding letters for me to read, printing, filling in and copying forms.

Help me with any voluntary work commitments I might have.

Transport

Helping me on public transport.

Driving my accessible car (if you drive).

Strapping my wheelchair into my car.

Other Tasks

Basic upkeep of my wheelchair, e.g., charging, inflating/deflating cushion).

Alerting me to faulty equipment or household appliances.

Pushing my manual wheelchair if my power chair breaks down.

Any other reasonable task.

Personal Specification

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Education and Qualifications

Educated to secondary level

Relevant professional qualification or higher education training

Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication and listening skills.

Ability to recognise work and personal boundaries.

Ability to work with or without close supervision.

Basic IT skills.

Basic cooking skills.

Be appropriately confident in taking the initiative.

Respect for confidentiality

Ability to react appropriately when challenging situations/emergencies occur.

Negotiation skills.

Creative problem-solving skills.

Advocacy and negotiations skills.

Experience/ Knowledge

(Paid or voluntary work)

Direct personal experience of disability.

Understanding of person-centred working.

Personal Attributes

Reliable and trustworthy

Flexible and responsible

Non judgemental

Ability to recognise work/personal.

boundaries

Sensitive & approachable

Sense of humour

Enjoys a challenge.

Persistence

Team worker

Other Requirements

Occasional work at evenings or weekends according to needs of service

The Post is for a Personal Care Assistant. The rate of pay is 14.82 per hour. Full-time, part-time, and zero hours contracts are available. Contracted hours include waking nights, during which you need to stay awake. Shifts could be any day Monday - Sunday. Non-waking night hours could occur between 8 am and 11 pm. Waking night hours are between 11pm and 8am. 4-week rotas are discussed together with me and all the PAs.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 14.82 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Free parking On-site parking Sick pay Transport links
Application question(s):

Are you willing to get a PVG for vulnerable adults?
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Job Reference: Supporting A Disabled Man Live His Best Life