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 and people with UK work permits.

Due to employer’s health, you must be a non-smoker and remain a non-smoker while in the role.*

Job Description

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

Being a Personal Support Assistant gives you the opportunity to make a real difference by working in a dynamic environment and gaining perspective by helping someone to live their best life.

If you can do this role, you can succeed in any role! It’s all about putting your transferable skills to the test in real life situations!

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 with a neuromuscular health condition and require independent living support.

Broadly speaking, the core job involves personal care [such as, hoisting, changing, physiotherapy, etc]; housework [ironing, cleaning, preparing food, etc] and assistance when travelling, shopping, etc. It can also involve help with gardening,

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 can be shared with a co-worker and will be discussed in the interview stage.

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, music, and holistic wellbeing may prove useful in this job.

Key Requirements

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

-     Physical and cognitive fitness/strength, including excellent attention span

-     Excellent communication [listening, understanding, speaking including understanding holistic communication]

-     Honesty, trustworthy, kind, compassionate

-     Punctual and reliable

-     Ability to retain confidentiality, respect privacy and communicate personal boundaries

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

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

-     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 me to socialise/work/experience life independently

How to apply

If you'd like to apply, attach your CV and cover letter letting me know why you’re great for the role. I’ll assess your applications and offer interviews to the people I’d like to follow up with. 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 improves 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