Job description

Do you have the ability to enable and empower someone with a learning disability/difficulty in a range of settings on a 1:1 basis? Do you want to work for a provider that truly puts the people they support at the centre of everything they do?

We are currently looking to recruit personal assistants / Support Workers to support young men and women on a 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 basis, providing specialist support in line with his Positive Behaviour Support plan. The successful applicants will have a demonstrable understanding of a Person-Centred approach and be driven by providing top quality support, putting people first. Having access to your own vehicle is an advantage but not essential. Business mileage is paid as well as agreed expenses. The successful applicant will have experience of Learning Disabilities, Autism and Challenging Behaviour either in a professional or personal capacity. All training will be given and shadowing provided.

Outline Job Description

Job Title: Personal Assistant for Life Skills

Assignments: Educational, Community, Leisure & Day services

Responsible To: Nominated Supervisor/Manager

Responsible For: Supporting and assisting Service Users who have a learning difficulty/disability to access and participate in community resources and learning programmes.

Overall Purpose:

• To enable Service Users to progress and achieve by providing high quality, person centred support adopting a holistic approach.
• To support and assist Service Users in learning new skills, and increase their confidence whilst promoting their independence towards choice and decision-making.
• To support and assist Service Users to maximise the use of community facilities and services.

Main Duties

This Job description is a guide to the level and range of responsibilities the post holder will be expected to take initially. It is neither exhaustive nor inclusive and will be changed from time to time.

• Provide person centred & proactive support and assistance on a 1:1 basis to Service Users enabling them to access Education, day services and community based activities.
• Enable and promote Service Users to make informed choices by encouraging new experiences, participation in their local community and a broad range of activities.
• Assist Service Users to maintain and develop appropriate friendships and relationships.
• To communicate effectively with Service Users using their preferred method of communication.
• Be aware of and safe guard Service Users from bullying, harassment and potential harm and abuse by following the "Protection of Vulnerable Adults" policy and procedure.
• To advocate and represent the interest of Service Users as appropriate.
• To assess and minimise risks Service Users may face in undertaking activities or accessing services in the community, and to contribute, where appropriate, to a written risk assessment.
• Support and assist Service Users to understand any risks and problems they may face and to manage these safely.
• Work with Service Users in a way which is respectful, person centred, creative and innovative and that promotes the individual's independence.
• Support and assist Service Users with their personal care needs where necessary, ensuring dignity, respect and privacy is observed at all times.
• To adhere to the individual's Plan of care, including moving and handling.
• Support and assist Service Users with eating and drinking where necessary.
• Where appropriate, administer medication following training and in accordance with the correct procedures.

Communication and reporting

• Regularly liaise with the individual's family and their circle of support.
• Support Service Users to be at the centre of their planning and review process.
• Work collaboratively with the individual, their circle of support, the local community and any other stakeholders and share information where appropriate.
• To be involved in reviews and other meetings, and provide verbal and written reports regarding the service user's progress.
• Ensure respect and confidentiality is at the centre of any work undertaken.
• Recording information (e.g. In daily diaries, communication books, monitoring forms etc), in a way that protects the service user's private information in accordance with the Data protections act 1998.

Being a Team member

• Work co-operatively as part of the individual's circle of support
• Be flexible around the changing needs and wishes of the individual and their circle of support.
• Be open and honest about your own needs as a PA and what will make things work for you.
• Attend regular supervision and appraisal meetings
• Maintain a high awareness of what works and doesn't work for the individual being supported in regards to the support you provide and identify any training needs and attend regular updates as part of your continuing professional development.

Providing quality and innovative support

• Be creative and innovative in the way you think about and provide support to the individual to achieve and progress.
• Contribute to the administrative and recording processes to ensure the support, resources and services around the person meet the appropriate regulatory and quality assurance requirements.

Use creativity and innovation to provide support and develop opportunities for the individual