*This post is exempt from the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1) which provides for the application of a genuine occupational requirement. I am a cis woman requiring personal care support, so usually I will hire female PAs. I will however consider hiring persons of any gender as long as I am safe/comfortable. Do you want a job where you can make a real difference? Do you prefer practical, physical work rather than sitting in an office? Do you want a job that will give you the opportunity to see life from a new 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 a wheelchair user and require support for all physical aspects of my daily life. Your job will be to provide the right assistance, as and when required, in order to enable independent living. This dynamic role can broadly be summarised as personal care [toileting, changing, showering, advanced hoisting, etc], household tasks [preparing food, cleaning, doing laundry, etc], emergency and physiotherapy support [passive movements, TENS machine, Therabite, Assisted Coughing to resolve choking incidents, etc], as well as help with mobility and safety when I am outside and at home [booking taxis, supporting my head, adjustment headrest on wheelchair, etc]. When I employ a Personal Support Assistant, I am “borrowing” your hands to help me with the part of life I cannot physically do and ask for help with. 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. This job has no fancy titles or job ladders, but if you can do this job well, you can succeed in any role you choose. Not likely to be replaced by AI anytime soon! Additional Job Information 3 Roles available: 1 x 30 hours average, 2 x 25 hours average [increases when covering team’s annual leave, my holidays or busy periods]. Role 1: will include flexible morning/evening shifts including weekends and 1 x wakened overnight per week; Role 2: will involve flexible 2 x wakened overnights and 2 x others shifts per week including weekends. Role 3: will involve flexible 2 x wakened overnights and 2 x others shifts per week including weekends. Location: Glasgow, may require occasional travel to locations beyond Glasgow, employer will pay travel/accommodation costs beyond Glasgow. Contract: 18-month cycle contract; which can be extended up to 3 years by mutual agreement. Essential requirements: Mindset: Honest, trustworthy, able to build real trust Positive outlook towards challenges Willingness to learn and adapt Clarity, attention and presence during work Ability to self regulate emotions and nervous system Open minded and non judgemental in the role Respectful towards all people at all times (yes, regardless of party politics or identity politics!) Ability to appreciate and respect different perspectives Comfortable working 1:1 and 2:1, including taking on responsibility required in the role Comfortable in different settings [home, outside, quiet, loud, etc] including natural places and bees [while you would not be helping me directly with beehives, I may need personal support whilst attending bee-keeping outings where there may be an increased number of bees in the vicinity. EpiPens will be available.] Physical ability and health: This is an athletic job that requires balanced physical health. It requires strength, agility and stamina for working Hand/eye co-ordination Transferable skills and interpersonal skills: Self-disciplined in attendance, reliability and punctuality Excellent communication (listening, understanding and speaking in a variety of situations including non verbal communication) Working with consent not only in the physical assistance given for personal care but all aspects of the role Co-ordination and learning through muscle memory Emotional intelligence in taking a step back and allow space for me to socialise/work/experience life independently Keeping calm in emergencies and following protocol/training Time management and ability to work quickly and efficiently Learning routines, applying them as needed in day-to-day situation Basic cooking and household safety skills [e.g. working with a gas hob]. Professional, precise and efficient when following instructions Initiative to precisely carry out tasks that are routine with efficiency, without instructions/supervision when required. Excellent personal hygiene and following hygiene instructions [Please note Covid face masks are no longer a daily requirement, though may be necessary in specific environments/situations.] Ability to understand and retain confidentiality, respect privacy and maintain boundaries. Relevant experience [Qualifications or lived experience in these will give you some real-life, practical, transferable skills for the role]: Physiotherapy Yoga Outdoor activities that demonstrate life skills [camping] Exercise, activities, sports, embodiment practices, dance, martial arts. Any other life experience you feel is relevant, please let me know if your CV/cover letter! Job-specific skills These are taught in your training, you will learn best practice with each area being detailed and at the highest level. This included skills like complex hoisting, advanced moving and handling which involves preventing/resolving positional asphyxiation, assisted coughing to resolve choking and much more will be taught on the role. Driving will be a skill you already bring to the role, please apply even if you don't drive. Additional info: It is open to UK residents with work permits, including student and post-graduate Visas. Due to my lung health, you must be a non-smoker and remain a non-smoker while in this role. As this role involves flexibility, learning and investment during the 18 months cycle, it is best suited for graduates (uni/school/college) or someone who wishes to take time to redirect and develop their careers (like an entrepreneur). The Application and Interview Process If you'd like to apply, attach your CV and cover letter tailored to the role so I can assess your applications and transferable skills. Please make sure this is not AI assisted, as it can give a misleading impression. Interviews will be offered to the right persons and reference checks will follow. There is usually a minimum of 2 interviews, with possible trial shifts to ensure you are suitable for the role. There is a 6 month probationary period. If you are offered a position, you'll be asked to apply for security checks [PVG or equivalent]. I look forward to hearing from you!