OverviewInterested in working in social care? Read on to find out how you can get involved.

I am both the employer and service user, who is in receipt of a direct payment to allow me the opportunity to employ a PA to assist and support me with social outings and companionship. I have a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and, as of late, I am profoundly physically disabled. I am sociable, intelligent and have no learning difficulties; however my speech has been greatly impacted, which can affect communication with those who do not know me well. A PA would help minimise this and enable me to participate in activities I most enjoy. I am a wheelchair user and have access to both a manual and an electric chair.

My PA would be required to support all personal care elements, such as assistance with toileting and feeding. I have a catheter fitted, so someone with knowledge or experience in catheter care is desirable, though training can be provided if the job is offered. I enjoy company and staying busy, and I have a good sense of humour. I enjoy going to the pub or out for meals, Sunderland football matches, quizzes and music, so concerts and tribute events are options for sessions with my PA. I have access to an adapted vehicle which would be available for outings if the PA can drive, though this is not essential. I am seeking a PA to offer companionship/friendship and assist and support me to access the community and social events.

About the RoleThe individual needs may vary day to day and tasks may reflect this. You would be required to administer medication and support with personal care when out and about. You would also support and/or prompt the individual to access sporting and leisure activities and to engage socially in the local community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administering medication when required

Assisting with personal care when out and about

Encouraging and supporting participation in social activities and community engagement (e.g., going to the pub, Sunderland football matches, quizzes, playing Dominoes, attending tribute bands/concerts, and attending new opportunities and group events)

Support with cooking/meal preparation and eating

Support to get to and from school/work/college/social activities

Assist and encourage socialisation and promote friendships and independence

Develop a good and trusting one-to-one working relationship

Required Skills

Be honest, reliable, trustworthy and punctual

Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy, including avoiding the use of social media related to the job

Ability to work on own initiative

Be patient, supportive and caring

Good listening skills and non-judgemental emotional support

Empathetic and able to engage with a person with a disability/illness to achieve goals

Flexible, adaptable to the employer’s daily needs; self-motivated and proactive

Lively personality

Required Training

Moving and Handling (training provided by the employer)

Catheter Care (training provided by the employer)

Hours and ConditionsHours per week: 7 hrs per week (times can be weekday, flexible, and agreed week on week between employee and employer or at interview)

• Saturday, 5 hrs

• Sunday, 2 hrs

Dates and times are flexible and can be discussed at interview.

Additional InformationDue to the nature of the work, this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure (DBS process and costs will be covered by Sunderland council).

Transport requirement: Car driver preferred but not essential.

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