Personal Support Assistant

Location Based from my home in Stowmarket, though this job will involve
travelling (mileage reimbursed)
Main Purpose To physically support a wheelchair user mother of two with day-to-day
activities and appointments

Hours and Rate of pay Up to 10 hours with more hours available, £12.50 to £14.50

A little about me...

Hi! I am looking for a flexible, energetic, up for almost anything Support Worker. A person
that can fit into my extended family of P.S.As (and my genetic family) and continue my
ongoing independence. I'm a busy mum of two and I work hard so I need someone that can
keep up but then also be around to do the boring waiting bit; happy to support me as a
mother and my amazing young primary school aged children. I need support with daily
living: shopping, appointments, housework, visiting friends, some childcare support and
evening bedtime support.

A bit about me! I am a busy mum and working 4 days a week in education as a BSL
communicator and professional artist living in central Stowmarket. I have a partner and two
young children and generally I have a very positive, independent outlook however I need
support around the house, going out and evening bedtime routine. I also need to be told to
stop and have a rest!

I use a power wheelchair and I am tetraplegic, I need support with moving transfers from
wheelchair to bed, floor, sofa and car, I need more guidance than actual lifting. (I do not
require any personal care, but I need help un-dressing).

When travelling in your car I use my manual chair that I need to be pushed in - it is
lightweight and fits in most 5 door cars.

This is a very varied supporting role, I love to involve my children in Art, local events,
being outside, exploring new places. I need you to have some flexibility with working
hours (evenings and weekends term time and someday time in school holidays). I am
also looking for someone that can be flexible to cover other PSAs holiday or activities
further afield. Please don't let it put you off applying., Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time
after negotiation with the post holder.

1. Physically supporting me (e.g. lifting my wheelchair into a car, pushing me in my
wheelchair, carrying or lifting bags or similar when necessary)
2. Supporting me with my children e.g. car seats and ensuring they are safely trapped in.
3. Keeping me and the children safe during a seizure (training provided)
4. PEG feeding, bolus medication (training provided)
5. Assisting me when out and about as well as "Mum jobs clos", my appointments, helping
me to visit friends and family.
6. Support around the home (e.g. light housework and evening support with medication and
getting into bed)
7. Food prep alongside me
8. Refilling medication and PEG feed and equipment.
9. Occasional day trips - more often in the school summer holidays.

You need to be a car owner and driver and someone who is happy to travel to multiple
locations. Mileage expenses are paid at 45p per mile., 1. Access to own vehicle suitable to 1. Experience in care/ support/Personal
accommodate my small non-folding Assistant work
wheelchair and two car seats (a 2. Experience with younger children.
small/standard size family car should be 3. Experience with a power and manual
fine) wheelchair and handling
2. Enjoys working with young children 4. First aid qualifications or experience of
3. Willing to learn and blend seizures would be benefit us all.
4. Punctual and well-organised 5. Knowledge of PEG and bolus feeding
5. Professional and patient approach 6. Knowledge of administrative medication
6. Willing to 'step back' and facilitate 7. Knowledge of seizures
independence 8. Doesn't transport pets in the car (due to my
7. Confident and safe driver, who is happy allergies)
driving for longer distances 9. Non-smoker/vaper
8. Able to support me during term times and 10. Enjoys a fit and healthy lifestyle
school holidays
9. Flexible approach to working times with the
ability other provider cover for my other
PSA's one Vice Versa
10. Reliable and trustworthy
11. Able to assist with light transfers

Suffolk Independent Living supports people through the recruitment process. Adverts are placed by people
who want to employ their own workers. You will not be employed by Suffolk Independent Living.

Hours of work Up to 10 hours with more hours available.
Time of work Varying times by prior arrangement, to include mornings, daytime
and evenings.
Days of week of work To be negotiated (up to 10 days in advance).
Flexibility of hours You will always know your rota approx. 10 days ahead of schedule
and I will also try to take into account any appointments you may
have.
There will also be occasional hours to cover sickness and annual
leave of my other Personal Assistants.
Expenses You will be reimbursed any expenses incurred as part of the role.
You will be paid mileage at a rate of 45p per mile (not including
travel to/from work).
Annual leave The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be
equivalent to the work which would normally be done during 5.6
consecutive weeks.
Background Checks A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service
(formerly Criminal Records Bureau) check is required for this
position of which I will organise.
You will be required to provide details of two referees, one of
which must be your current or most recent employer, or character
referees if you have not been employed. I will only contact these if
you are offered the position.
Trial Period This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.