Support Worker (Adult) Whitehaven ILC-C-150

A 34-year-old woman living in the Whitehaven area is looking for an additional PA to complement her current support. The lady has complex medical conditions including autism, ADHD and non-epileptic seizures and is looking for someone who is the same gender, patient, good-humoured, and comfortable around dogs. Experience supporting someone with chronic pain would be welcomed, but is not essential.

Advertised on behalf of a customer:

About the role:

We are looking for a warm, reliable Personal Assistant to join an existing support package for a 34-year-old woman living in the Whitehaven area with her husband and their dog. She works part-time (Monday–Thursday) and is seeking an additional PA to complement her current support.

One PA is providing 17hrs per week support and an opportunity has arisen for a new PA to provide 6hrs of support per week.

The lady has complex medical conditions including autism, ADHD and non-epileptic seizures and is looking for someone who is the same gender, patient, good-humoured, and comfortable around dogs. Experience supporting someone with chronic pain would be welcomed, but is not essential. 

You will provide person-centered support both at home and in the community, including assistance during periods of distress or confusion. You’ll work alongside the lady’s husband, sharing some caring responsibilities and responding appropriately in medical or challenging situations. Swearing will occur in conversation, and you should feel comfortable with this. 

Tasks required include:

• Support with showering/bath and getting dressed
• Prompting and encouragement with taking medication, eating, drinking and going to the toilet
• Driving to appointments, social activities and work
• Support to volunteer at Rainbows. (You will not be expected to help with the activities or the children unless it’s to directly help the lady complete tasks.)
• Drive to exercise classes and support at the beginning and the end of the classes
• Support to make meals
• Supporting with basic household chores
• Keeping the lady company
• Ensuring her safety during a seizure or asthma attack - administering reliever inhaler if the lady stops breathing during a seizure if her husband is not available to help. 

Successful applicant will:

• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car with appropriate business insurance
• Be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check for both adult's and children (due to the support provided at Rainbows)
• Be open to learning about the lady’s conditions to provide the best possible support and be prepared to complete training within the first 12 months, including:
  • First aid (including seizures)
  • Autism awareness
  • Safeguarding
  • Manual handling

• Be confident responding to medical emergencies and challenging behaviour
• Be a non-smoker while on duty
• Provide at least one reference (two preferred)

Hours Available:

This position offers 4 hours per week, with the main contracted shift on Tuesdays. Flexibility can be discussed, and weekly rotas are used to support this.

Primary shifts (Tuesday):

• 07:30–09:30 (2 hours) – to support with dressing and helping prepare for work

• After 3pm (4 hours on a Tuesday evening) - to support with attending physio appointments/classes and support with showering/bathing and dressing

Additional cover (occasional):
In the event of absence or annual leave of the other PA, there may be opportunities to provide cover on other days. These shifts may include:

• Morning support Monday–Thursday (approximately 07:30–09:30) to assist with preparation for work

• Wednesday evenings (4:30–7:30pm) during term time to support volunteering at Rainbows

• Thursday afternoons/evenings (3:45–7:00pm) to attend a weekly Pilates class

• Friday daytime hours between 10:00am–5:00pm

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent