Personal Support Assistant for Independent Living Support

Important Notice

*This job is based in Glasgow and may require occasional travel. It is open to UK residents with work permits. Please do not apply if you live abroad/require a sponsorship Visa. Due to employer’s health, you must be a non-smoker and remain a non-smoker while in this role.*

Job Description

Do you want a job where you can make a real difference?

Do you prefer practical, physical and dynamic work rather than sitting in an office?

Do you want a job that will give you the opportunity to see life from a holistic perspective?

If you are a practically-minded, energetic person, who wants to work in a dynamic environment, being a Personal Support Assistant is the job for you.

I am an individual employer, offering the following opportunities:

-     Main PA 45 hours per week [including day and night]

-     PAs 2 x 30 hours per week [including day and night]

-     Overnight PA 30 hours per week [including evening and night]

I am a wheelchair user and require independent living support.

Broadly speaking, the core job will involve personal care [such as, hoisting, changing, physiotherapy, etc]; housework [ironing, cleaning, preparing food, etc] and assistance when travelling, shopping, etc.

This is a unique role suitable for school/college/university leavers or those who are looking to take time to reflect on their next career steps and work on their personal development.

The role offers you an initial 18-month cycle contract; which can be extended up by mutual agreement.

During this time, flexibility regarding hours of work is a strong requirement. The overnights will be shared with a co-worker for everyone’s well-being.

Your job will be based in/around Glasgow, with occasional travel to nearby cities if I am travelling or temporarily in a different city for work/leisure. Travel costs and accommodation outside Glasgow/base address will be reimbursed.

Specific qualifications are not needed, well rounded life experience, work and academic achievements are important, with an open mind, willingness to learn, kindness, compassion, integrity and clarity.

The work requires stamina and physical capability. Experience of physiotherapy, sport and holistic well being may prove useful in this job.

Key Requirements

-     Non-smoker [cigarettes and vape] and free of substance dependency

-     Physical and cognitive fitness/strength

-     Excellent communication [listening, understanding, speaking including non-verbal communication]

-     Honesty, trustworthy, kind, compassionate

-     Self-disciplined in all aspects of work, attendance, reliability and punctuality

-     Ability to retain confidentiality, respect privacy and maintain boundaries

-     Flexible, free-of-judgement approach to the job and working hours

-     Excellent personal hygiene and following hygiene instructions [Please note Covid face masks are no longer a daily requirement, though may be necessary in certain environments/situation. Excellent hygiene however is strictly necessary.]

-     Excellent attention span

-     Polite and respectful towards anyone you encounter at work [regardless of whether you’re in a church, or LGBTQIA+ event].

-     Professional, precise and efficient when following the employer’s instructions

-     Initiative to carry out tasks that are routine with efficiency and precisely, without the employer’s supervision when required.

-     Ability to take a step back and allow space for the person you're helping to socialise/work/experience life independently

-Excellent boundaries in work and personal life.

How to apply

If you'd like to apply, attach your CV and cover letter tailored to the role [written by you, not AI!], so I can assess your applications and transferable skills. Interviews will be offered to the right persons and reference checks will follow.

There is usually a minimum of 2 interviews to ensure you are suitable for the role. Please note the role has a 6-month probationary period.

If you are offered a position, you'll be asked to apply for security checks [PVG or equivalent].

Previous employee testimonies

“My role made me aware of the lack of well-designed, affordable products for people with disabilities which enhanced my drive to become an engineer to design products and improve infrastructure that improve people’s lives.

Having now worked multiple engineering jobs, my role as a Personal Assistant remains on my CV as it demonstrates my ability to time manage and react in high pressure situations.

The role significantly boosted my confidence and provided me with unique insights and knowledge that have helped me secure valuable placements throughout university.

Working as a Personal Assistant allowed me to save enough money to focus on my studies without the added pressure of part-time work during university.”

Z.C., Previous employee, re-located to study engineering

“Working as a personal support assistant was a rewarding experience that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, while continuously expanding my knowledge and expertise in the field.

Being a postgraduate student in the healthcare field, I had the opportunity to develop new skills and refine my moving and handling techniques, enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication, and improve fast decision-making and thinking patterns.

The current pay has offered a stable foundation for my personal finances. It makes the role more attractive, knowing that I can manage my living expenses effectively.” 

E.G., Previous employee, now re-located abroad, working in healthcare