Quote ref: CDP2262 on application form personal-assistant-application-form

Closing date: 10/10/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Personal Assistant

A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF

 

I am a non-binary person living in the Plasnewydd area of Cardiff. I am in my mid 30s and have multiple health conditions, primarily ME/CFS.

 

My health is very variable and my care needs will change with this. On bad days, for example with ME “crashes”, I will need more support. It’s really important not to panic if this happens suddenly or severely and I will explain in further detail upon meeting you. On my better days I still need to pace myself carefully to manage my health conditions. I am always fatigued, I have varying pains and a difficulty with being upright. I may not look particularly unwell even when very much so. My conditions are largely “invisible illnesses”.

 

I am sensitive to light and sound, I tend to keep the curtains closed a majority of the time and use earplugs often. I am also sensitive to smell and can have allergy-like reactions to things like perfumes, cleaning products and fumes. The sensory sensitivities can vary greatly in severity. I have good communication skills but on a bad day I can be too fatigued or too “brain-fogged” to verbally communicate and may use gestures like a thumbs up or down. It is important to me, that the PA I employ is willing to learn more about my illness. I am currently between being mostly housebound and partially bedbound and when experiencing a crash I can be bedbound and struggle to a much greater degree.

 

Recent changes to my severity level mean I am cautiously re-introducing some activities and would love support with doing this. For example craft activities like origami or crochet, learning and researching things of interest and hopefully getting outside a little. I use a fitness tracker to help me pace and some support with this would also be helpful as I tend to try and “push through” too much when there is something enjoyable or I want to finish things. I really want to start enjoying life again and having a better quality of life.

 

PURPOSE OF JOB

To enable me to live at home and to be as independent as I possibly can be, to support  me with eating well and drinking enough so that I don’t become dehydrated. To help me and my environment stay clean and to keep on top of medications and “life admin” tasks. To support with attending hospital or other medical appointments. To enable me to have a better quality of life.

 

PLACE OF WORK

 

In my home and out in the community.

 

HOURS OF WORK

14 Hours each week.

 

Ideally to be worked every other day whilst I am ok but when I have a severe crash I would need you to come for shorter times throughout the day but on rare occasions. This can be discussed further in an interview.

RATE OF PAY

£14.10 per hour.

TASKS INVOLVED

-      Learn my needs/priorities, this will be really helpful when I’m not having a good day.

-      Washing my hair.

-      All aspects of food prep and related tasks.

-      To keep clean and clear the areas that we use.

-      There will be some additional elements of personal care.

-      Prompting medication, assist with monitoring quantity left and getting repeats.

-      General light housework.

-      To go out, such as to a park or library.

 

 

TYPE OF PERSON REQUIRED

-      Someone who is calm and patient, especially in emergency situations.

-      Friendly and happy, willing to learn about my condition.

-      Confident to speak over the phone and in public.

-      Someone who is physically able to manoeuvre a wheelchair and lift it short distances

-      Ability to follow and take the lead and work using initiative.

-      Someone with a good awareness of food hygiene and some basic cooking skills.

-     Due to personal care needs, a female is required as this role requires someone who has a specific characteristic which is an occupational requirement as provided for under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.

-      A car driver is preferable but not essential.

-      Someone with good communication skills.

 

ABOUT THE JOB

 

Though a part-time job, this will be a proper job requiring a National Insurance number to be submitted.  A probation period will be necessary in the first instance.  Wages will be paid 4 weekly.  You will receive 5.6 weeks paid holiday (pro rata). You will be required to apply for a DBS check at no expense to you.

Please Note: Dewis Centre for Independent Living is acting on behalf of a third party and will not be your employer or be liable for any issues arising out of your employment should you be offered employment.

 

 

Thank you.