I live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but I refuse to let it define me.
I am a passionate man with many interests, including going to the theatre, gigs, films, politics, cooking and sharing food, and disability issues. I particularly enjoy trad music and learning Gaelic. I will return to my online university studies in September. I enjoy conversations about anything from the day's issues to philosophical questions. I also enjoy discussing the most random subjects, such as what if ostriches could fly or if pineapple belongs on pizza (it does not).
My sense of humour can be dark, dry, savage, or silly, depending on what I see or hear. If you are easily offended this job is not for you. But we will get along great if you can laugh at yourself and others.
As one of my Personal care Assistants you will be employed to support me in living how way I choose – to be my arms and legs. Getting the right assistance when I need it allows me to achieve my goals and lead my life independently. You will enable me to do this by listening to what I want and following my instructions. It is, therefore, vital that an employee has excellent communication and listening skills.
You will be joining a growing team of PAs, who willprovide my 24-hour care.
I have tracheostomy and a PEG feeding tube. Do not be put off by this – qualified nurses will train you.
The job also involves moving and handling, including use of a hoist etc. Training will be provided in the form of shadowing my current PAs.You do not need to be strong to do the job well, but good health is important.
After a period of familiarisation with the duties, you will be required to help me with the following tasks, sometimes without close supervision. You will therefore need to be able to work on their own initiative whilst at the same time being respectful of my wishes.
You will be working with me and alongside other PCAs for personal care and moving and handling. Other times you will be working alone with me.
I have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which PAs can be insured to drive.
If you are looking for a job that will challenge you, make you laugh, and help you make a difference in the world, this job is for you.
Like most people, my day varies, so it is impossible to list every task that my Personal Care Assistants expect. These tasks are shared among the team.
Tasks could include:
Medical tasks
· Tracheostomy care
· Operating ventilators
· PEG feeding
· Checking and giving medication
· Checking and ordering prescriptions and tracheostomy supplies
Personal Tasks
· Help me with showering / washing / brushing teeth / brushing hair / shaving / toileting.
· Helping me with dressing and undressing.
· Using a hoist to lift me.
· Help me getting into/out of bed.
· Positioning me in bed or my wheelchair.
· Help with eating, drinking.
Domestic Tasks
· Making and changing my bed.
· Keeping my bathroom clean.
· Preparing my meals, snacks, and drinks.
· Washing dishes, kitchen equipment etc. used for my meals.
· Washing and drying and ironing my clothes.
· Keeping my bedroom and living clean and tidy.
· Helping me with shopping.
· Help to look after my dog.
· Watering my plants if I have any.
Social Tasks
· Helping me to go to pubs, cinema, theatre, museums, gigs, and social events with or without friends.
· Help me to attend classes/courses.
· Help while on day trips.
· Help when going out for a walk (roll).
· Shopping for pleasure.
· Help with other leisure activities and hobbies, e.g., using games consoles using my record player.
· Help with correspondence and general admin: phone calls, holding letters for me to read, printing, filling in and copying forms.
· Help me with any voluntary work commitments I might have.
Transport
· Helping me on public transport.
· Driving my accessible car (if you drive).
· Strapping my wheelchair into my car.
Other Tasks
· Basic upkeep of my wheelchair, e.g., charging, inflating/deflating cushion).
· Alerting me to faulty equipment or household appliances.
· Pushing my manual wheelchair if my power chair breaks down.
· Any other reasonable task.
Personal Specification
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Education and Qualifications
Educated to secondary level
Relevant professional qualification or higher education training
Skills and Abilities
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Ability to recognise work and personal boundaries.
Ability to work with or without close supervision.
Basic IT skills.
Basic cooking skills.
Be appropriately confident in taking the initiative.
Respect for confidentiality
Ability to react appropriately when challenging situations/emergencies occur.
Negotiation skills.
Creative problem-solving skills.
Advocacy and negotiations skills.
Experience/ Knowledge
(Paid or voluntary work)
Direct personal experience of disability.
Understanding of person-centred working.
Personal Attributes
Reliable and trustworthy
Flexible and responsible
Non judgemental
Ability to recognise work/personal.
boundaries
Sensitive & approachable
Sense of humour
Enjoys a challenge.
Persistence
Team worker
Other Requirements
Occasional work at evenings or weekends according to needs of service
- The Post is for a Personal Care Assistant.
- The rate of pay is £14.82 per hour.
- Full-time, part-time, and zero hours contracts are available.
- Contracted hours include waking nights, during which you need to stay awake.
- Shifts could be any day Monday – Sunday.
- Non-waking night hours could occur between 8 am and 11 pm.
- Waking night hours are between 11pm and 8am.
- 4-week rotas are discussed together with me and all the PAs.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £14.82 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Transport links
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to get a PVG for vulnerable adults?
Language:
- English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Job Reference: Supporting A Disabled Man Live His Best Life
