Personal Assistant / Companion (4992)

Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.

Job purpose

I would like support to access the community and find interests other than computers, but would also enjoy playing games with my PA if they are able.

About me

I am a 24-year-old trans female. I am autistic and have a rare autoimmune disease, dermatomyositis, which limits my strength and mobility. I also struggle with anxiety and low mood.

I live with my parents and have 3 brothers who live away from home. We have 2 cats in the house.

I really enjoy playing games on my computer and have online friends from all over the world, mostly Germany and USA. I enjoy days out and use a mobility scooter or a wheelchair, but have to be careful to avoid the sun due to my dermatomyositis.

I like eating out, and love a McDonalds, but also enjoy shopping.

I am socially anxious and struggle to initiate conversations, or join in until I am comfortable. I am very intelligent but need help understanding money and value and other life skills. Having a bath and cleaning my teeth makes me anxious and I need support with this, and I also need help choosing appropriate clothes and preparing food.

· Ability to work without supervision

· Full UK driving licence

· Physically able to manage my wheelchair/scooter

· Must be sensitive to my wants and needs

· Able to subtly give me social hints

· Must respect my individual preferences

· Will support me to access meaningful activities

· Able to recognise my behaviours as distress

· Able to plan trips and outings

· Friendly and willing to help me work on my social skills

· Patient, caring and supportive

· Responsible, reliable and understanding

Desirable Criteria

· An understanding of Autism

· Manual handling training

· First aid training

· Previous experience in the following:

o A care role

o Working with an autistic adult

o Working with someone who has mobility needs

· Hours, days and times of work: 10 hours available per week. This is flexible, but ideally 2 x 5hr shifts, or occasionally 1 x 10 hr shift, per week. Generally, shifts will be weekdays only.

· Pay rate: £14.50 per hour

· Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).

· Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.

· Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

· Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.

The post is subject to the following

· Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.

o If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.

References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed

· Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 4 months.