PA 28

Personal Assistant Application Form Submission 

 
Where did you hear about our PA vacancies? (required): Dewis CIL Website
Title (required): Miss

Town (required): Cwmbran 
County (required): Torfaen

 
I confirm that I have the right to work in the UK and am able to prove my eligibility status when required to do so. (required): Yes 

 
Please read the Job Description carefully before providing information in this Section of the Application Form. Give details of your previous employment or experience which you think would help you to do this job. (required): I have over 11 years experience working with children, young people and adults with special educational needs in a classroom, the community and other various settings. During this time, I have received a vast amount of training, varying from Team teach and intensive interaction to PREVENT, safeguarding, buccal midazolam, epilepsy awareness and manual handling. I am currently employed as a Personal Assistant through Torfaen Council. Within this role, I support children with additional support needs to access the community and develop their independence. I take them places such as soft play, bowling, swimming and shopping to provide respite for the family whilst ensuring the child is happy and safe at all times. I have previously been employed as a Learning Support Worker in Aspris college, Cwmbran. I worked closely with my students to meet their emotional and social needs. I put my skills into practise by creating symbols and core boards for our more sensory learners, developing their ILS and communication skills. I developed positive relationships with every learner in my group, and communicated with parents/carers daily to update them on their child’s’ progress. I am have worked as a Teaching Assistant in Ygsol Bryn Derw ASD school in Newport. I worked in a class with 10 young boys, aged between 11 and 16, supporting their emotional needs and developing their learning opportunities. I followed teachers’ planning to deliver high quality learning experiences, as well as using my initiative to make it person centred for every pupil. I planned and lead attention autism sessions and circle time. I supported the pupils with their emotional regulation, offering guidance and support where appropriate, as well as using person centred strategies to help the pupils regulate, whether that be through following an individual behaviour plan or using initiative to decide the best approach with that pupil. I have also worked in Ty Gwyn Special School in Cardiff. Here, I was based in one of two intensive support classes, supporting three young teenage boys with behavioural and emotional difficulties. I often liaised with occupational therapists, school nurses and my class team to discuss ways we could best support these pupils. I was managing challenging behaviour on a daily basis and maintained unconditional positive regard for every pupil within the class. I was a Children’s Community Support Worker whilst I was living in Cardiff. I would take the children into the community on a 1:1 / 2:1 basis. Allowing them to access different activities such as soft play and trampolining. I ensured every child I supported was safe and happy within the environment. When working with CPI Care (St Gwynllyw Day Service) I assisted in planning and delivering AGORED Cymru sessions for the learners, helping them achieve qualifications in various subjects. I have worked with both Torfaen Play Service and the National Autistic Society supporting children, young people and adults on a 1:1, 1:2 or 2:1 basis, with responsibilities including supervising and supporting leisure activities such as swimming, music therapy and arts and crafts. As well as setting up and supporting leisure activities such as money skills, personal hygiene, cleaning and cooking. During my role as a play and well-being support worker with Torfaen Play Service, I was often involved in family mediation, supporting parents, carers and siblings. I have developed vast communication skills over the last few years, I am very familiar with Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), AAC devices and core boards to aid communication. I have completed my NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. When studying this subject, I gained a vast amount of knowledge and understanding of the social, physical, emotional, psychological and educational development of children, young people and their families. I would be willing to work towards a NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care and enjoy putting my knowledge and experience into place in the workplace environment. I volunteered with TOGS centre for five years (aged 14-19) two evenings a week. Joining the sector this young allowed me to get a fantastic understanding of supporting young people with special educational needs and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had throughout the years to build on this. I have accompanied the children on various excursions such as meals, bowling, swimming and theme parks. In 2017, I took part in a trip to Lourdes with the charity organisation HCPT, I worked as part of the care team caring and supporting several children and young people, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the 5 days. Doing this allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and get a great understanding supporting people somewhere they are not familiar with. Within every role had both paid and voluntary, I have been fully committed to equal opportunities and adhered to strict GDPR. I am fully aware of safeguarding policies and procedures, and I have on occasions contacted senior management regarding a child/young person’s safety when I have had concerns. I have handled these situations professionally and respectfully. Whilst I work very effectively within a team, I am also able to work on my own initiative and under pressure. Within my current role, certain information is recorded on our internal computer systems, I am confident in using ICT software to update this information needed by set deadlines. I am also confident in using computer programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel. I hold a full UK driving licence and have experience with taking young people out in my own personal vehicle to various leisure activities. 

 
What qualities do you think are important when working as a personal assistant with a disabled person? (required): I believe in supporting every child, young person and adult with unconditional positive regard. To be a personal assistant you need to be patient and understanding, as well as confident within your own abilities. You should always assume competence and promote independence as much as possible, whilst keeping the person you are supporting safe and happy within the environment. 

 
How do you think you can contribute towards the needs and the independence of a disabled person? (required): I have a vast amount of experience in this field, and know I can help a persons communication flourish. I have always had a person centred approach with every individual I supported, tailoring communication to their individual needs. I also promote independence by always assuming competence. Allowing the person I support to try things by themselves, rather than assuming they are not able. I also have a lot of experience of travel training, shopping and ILS skills- during this I have supported people to develop skills needed to (for example) wash up, make a bed, iron, catch a bus with and without support etc. 

 
What is it about PA work which appeals to you? (required): I love having that 1-1 connection with somebody, as well as building up a rapport with them and their families. PA work allows you to have opportunities with an individual that you wouldn’t always have within a school or education setting I love how ‘free’ it is! 

 
What are your hobbies/interests? (required): I absolutely adore my pet rabbits and dog, I am a huge animal lover! I also enjoy listening to audio books and baking. I am 25 but definitely more of a home bird! 

 
Would you consider a casual position if you are unsuccessful with this job? (required): Yes 

 
Do you speak any other languages? if so what do you speak?  (required): No 

 
Do you drive? (required): Yes 
Are you a vehicle owner?  (required): Yes 
Do you smoke? (required): No 

 
Are you able to undertake training? (required): Yes 

 
What days/nights are you able to work, or prefer to work?  (required): I am available all day Sundays , with the possibility of Saturday too. As well as most weekdays at any time. 

 
Are there any circumstances which would prevent you from providing cover or swapping a shift? (required): Yes 

 
If you would like to expand on the answers given above? Please use the box below.: I am awaiting surgery for a herniated disc, I was due to have this in April, but I had an anaphylactic shock whilst under, so they were unable to complete the surgery. This is now being done on the NHS so the wait time is very long, but I will be out of action for a few weeks post surgery because of this!

 
Do you have portable DBS (which has been paid for and renewed for the current year)? (required): No/ 

 
Is there is any such information you wish to disclose, relating to any cautions or convictions which will appear on your mandatory DBS check? (required): No/ 

 
Please provide details if necessary: 

 
I agree that there is nothing which would prevent me from doing this job. (required): Yes 

 
I consent to the above (required): Yes 

 
I agree that the information I provide will be posted to the Dewis CIL PA noticeboard (all personal information will be withheld).: Yes 

 
What geographical area’s are you able to cover?: Cwmbran-Pontypool-Newport-Cardiff 

 
How many hours of work can you offer per week? (required): 12 

 
Please indicate the approximate times that you are available for work throughout the week.: Monday AM/Monday PM/Tuesday AM/Tuesday PM/Wednesday AM/Wednesday PM/Thursday AM/Thursday PM/Friday AM/Friday PM/Saturday PM/Sunday AM/Sunday PM /