Personal Assistant - MHNCL

Based in Low Fell, Gateshead, the job is as a personal assistant to an engaging seven-year old boy full of character who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and associated mobility and personal care needs. The postholder will be responsible for and/or assist family members in the duties listed below.

The essential duties will vary according to need and may include from time to time:

Facilitation of exercise and physiotherapy: using sling and hoist system to position our son into his Innowalk dynamic stander, supervision while using the machine, and transfer to chair or floor using mobility aids as required; assistance with movement and physiotherapist guidance as advised.
Ensuring personal care as needed: including feeding; provision of liquids through a gastrostomy peg and system; bathing; changing of continence products; transfers, moving and handling using hoists and sling systems.
Relating to our child as appropriate to aid his confidence and development: for example, by chatting with him, playing appropriate games, reading with, or taking out in his wheelchair for fresh air.
Such other tasks as may be required to assist with his care needs., This job is made possible through Direct Payments from Gateshead Social Services who administer payroll services. At present the funding is for eight hours a week at £13.02 an hour, reducing to four hours per week at the same rate. This reduction is under review, but the post-holder should be aware that hourly rate and total hours available per week are not within our direct control.
However, the timing of hours worked is something that we would be able to negotiate with the post-holder who will be paid for hours worked and we would seek a mutually acceptable timetable that might include extra hours worked one week and fewer another to result in eight hours worked per week on average.
Employers Liability Insurance is in place and we will take seriously our Health and Safety obligations. However, the post-holder should be aware that the place of work is our home and as such they are also responsible for noting any temporary or unforeseen hazards, dealing with them or notifying us accordingly.

Appropriate qualifications are not required but the post-holder must demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop in the role. Training will be given on the use of equipment.
Relevant experience is desirable but not essential.
The post-holder must be physically able to carry out the above tasks.
The post-holder is expected to have a clear result from their DBS check and is required to keep details of the child and his home life confidential, unless disclosure is for a legitimate purpose.
The post-holder is expected to be personable, adaptable, honest, able to relate appropriately with our child and willing to help.