Personal Assistant/Support Worker – GDNCL

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (NE6)

Hours: 15 hours per week

Rate of Pay: £15.00 per hour

About George

George is looking for a reliable, confident and supportive Personal Assistant to help him maintain his independence at home and in the community. George benefits from someone who can provide clear, consistent encouragement while recognising the things he is able to do for himself. This role is very much about supporting George to do things, rather than doing everything for him.

George has complex mental and physical health needs, including schizophrenia, diabetes and reduced mobility. Full information about his health and support requirements will be discussed with applicants before appointment so that anyone taking on the role understands the support George requires. He enjoys getting out into the community, going shopping, eating out and watching television, with Laurel and Hardy being a particular favourite.

What will you be doing?

You Will Support George With Areas Including

Encouraging George to complete everyday tasks independently, providing prompting and assistance where necessarySupporting household routines including laundry, washing up, putting clothes away and managing household wasteHelping George plan and complete his weekly food shoppingEncouraging healthy food choices appropriate for his diabetesChecking food dates and supporting George to manage food safelySupporting George to manage his medication routines, prescriptions and medical supplies in line with his support planHelping George communicate diabetes readings and relevant health information when requiredSupporting George to attend medical, dental and other appointmentsHelping George understand information provided by professionals and supporting him to communicate his needsSupporting George to use taxis and public transport while encouraging him to maintain skills such as booking his own taxi, paying fares and identifying his bus stopEncouraging George to wear clean and weather-appropriate clothingSupporting George to maintain his mobility and prescribed exercise/physiotherapy routine when appropriateSupporting George to access his local community and enjoy a varied range of activitiesPromoting George’s independence, choice, confidence and wellbeing

A key part of the role is knowing when George genuinely needs assistance and when he needs encouragement to complete something himself. His existing support approach specifically focuses on maintaining the everyday skills he already has.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

Patient, calm and respectfulReliable and consistentConfident giving clear prompts and maintaining appropriate boundariesAble to encourage independence without taking overComfortable supporting someone with mental health and physical health needsAble to communicate effectively with George, family members and health professionalsObservant and able to recognise when something may not be rightConfident supporting someone in shops, restaurants, appointments and on public transportUnderstanding of the importance of dignity, choice and person-centred support

Experience supporting adults with schizophrenia, diabetes, cognitive impairment or similar support needs would be beneficial, although the right attitude and approach are equally important.

For More Information, Please See The Job Description

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.