P/Y Female Support Worker - 01/Kil/TL, Kilmarnock

Hours/Shifts – Will vary between 16-20 hours per week, to be discussed at interview.

Flexibility is required to cover various shift patterns and may include sleepovers.

Extra shifts will be available to cover A/L and sickness.

Pay Rate: £13.45 per hour

A/L entitlement: 5.6 weeks x contracted hrs

Probationary period: 6 months

We are looking for a compassionate, competent and reliable Personal Assistant to assist a 56‑year‑old woman who lives in her own home. She experiences learning disabilities and lives with severe epilepsy. She requires assistance with all aspects of daily care needs and independent living. Experience working in a care environment, knowledge of learning disabilities and epilepsy, and awareness of rescue medication are desirable and advantageous. Training relating to the client’s individual health and support needs will be provided.

The role will include an induction period and shadow shifts to allow both the client and the Personal Assistant to feel comfortable and confident. The client has her own car which is used for social activities and appointments; a clean driving licence is essential.

• Person‑centred approach
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Patience and ability to operate at the lady’s pace
• Ability to recognise and promote independence
• Respect and understanding of the importance the lady places on living in her own home and the ability to accept her decisions
• Adaptability
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of confidentiality and respect for the client’s privacy

Applicants will need to provide care and support both within and outside the client’s home, including social outings, visits to family/friends and attending health‑related appointments.

• Administering medication, including rescue medication
• Assisting with personal care – showering, hair washing, application of creams, oral hygiene, dressing/undressing
• Food and drink preparation
• Shopping
• Light cleaning (laundry, dusting, hoovering, changing bed, keeping kitchen and bathroom clean, tidy and hygienic, putting bins out)
• Upkeep of property – reporting faults, light household maintenance and light gardening

NOTE: the client often has a small dog visiting. The dog is a family member and extremely important to her. There are no job responsibilities for the PA in relation to the dog.

The position is subject to a 6‑month probationary period. Either party may give one week’s notice if things are not working within this timescale.

Offer of post will be based on two satisfactory references and a new update to the PVG disclosure scheme. You will need to pay for the PVG, but will be reimbursed after your first pay.