Job Description
Address:
Suffolk Independent Living, Stowmarket, Suffolk Salary:
£14.50 per hour Hours:
Up to 10 hours with more hours available Contract:
Permanent. Required as soon as possible Reference:
0293
Personal Support Assistant.
Location: Based from my home in Stowmarket, though this job will involve travelling (mileage reimbursed).
Main Purpose:
To physically support a wheelchair user mother of two with day-to-day activities and appointments.
A little about me:
Are you looking for a change, but still in support work? Wanting something a bit different? Well, hello! I am your bit different. I have a fantastic small team /(non-genetic) family and there are some shifts that I really need another fantastic support worker to fill, to keep the cogs turning and that can fill in the gaps where I am now needing a bit more support than previously, cover holidays, some weekend slots and early evening.
I am looking for a flexible, motivated, up for almost anything
*Personal Support Assistant.
I am a professional artist and maker; I work in education supporting Deaf children and adults using BSL. Most importantly I am a busy mum of two amazing, clever fun littler ones. I work hard and want support to enable me to be the best mummy I can be but also to support me as an individual - we like to be out exploring new places at the weekends and school holidays.
I'm just entering a new stage of my life both professionally and as a family. I need the physical support, as well as someone that can read my mind/remember everything that I have forgotten, I need you!
I have a positive, independent outlook, and want to do everything now! So, if you can support me to stop and breathe, remind me I'm being too stubborn and that Rome wasn't built in a day... so "go and rest, I can handle it!". It's important you understand the different between care and support - I am the latter. When not racing around I need support to do the less exciting 'waiting around bit'. You will be happy to support me with daily living: shopping, appointments and housework etc...
I use a power wheelchair, and I am tetraplegic. I need support with moving transfers from wheelchair to bed, floor, sofa and car. I need guidance not actual lifting. I do not require any personal care, but I need help dressing/undressing and administration of medication. When travelling in your car I use my manual chair that I need to be pushed in - it is lightweight and fits in most 5 door cars.
This is a very varied supporting role, so please don't let it put you off applying if you don't meet all the criteria. You need to be a car owner and driver and someone who is happy to travel to multiple locations. Mileage expenses are paid at 45p per mile.
Essential Criteria: *Female
Personal Support Assistant
required due to personal care Schedule 9, P1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies access to own vehicle suitable to accommodate my small non-folding wheelchair and two car seats (a small/standard size family car should be fine) enjoys working with young children willing to learn punctual and well-organised a professional and patient approach willing to 'step back' and facilitate independence a confident and a safe driver, who is happy driving for longer distances able to support me during term times and school holidays a flexible approach to working times with the ability other provider cover for my other PSA's one vice versa reliable and trustworthy able to assist with light transfers.
Desirable Criteria: experience in care/ support/personal assistant work experience with younger children experience with a power and manual wheelchair and handling first aid qualifications or experience of seizures would be benefit us all knowledge of PEG and bolus feeding knowledge of administrative medication knowledge of seizures doesn't transport pets in the car (due to my family's allergies) a non-smoker/vaper enjoys a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Main Duties: physically supporting me (e.g. lifting my wheelchair into a car, pushing me in my wheelchair, carrying or lifting bags or similar when necessary) supporting me with my children e.g. car seats and ensuring they are safely trapped in keeping me and the children safe during a seizure (training provided) PEG feeding, bolus medication (training provided) assisting me when out and about as well as "Mum jobs", my appointments, helping me to visit friends and family support around the home (e.g. light housework and evening support with medication and getting into bed) food prep alongside me refilling medication and PEG feed and equipment day trips - more in the school holidays.
Terms and Conditions:
Hours of work:
Up to 10 hours with more hours available.
Time of work:
Varying times and days by prior arrangement, including mornings, daytime and evenings.
Days of week of work:
To be negotiated (up to 10 days in advance).
Flexibility of hours:
You will know your rota approximately 10 days ahead of schedule and I will take into account any current work, responsibilities, and appointments. There will be hours to cover my existing PSAs e.g. sickness, annual leave, appointments my other Personal Assistants have.
Expenses:
You will be reimbursed any expenses incurred as part of the role. You will be paid mileage at a rate of 45p per mile (not including travel to/from work).
Annual leave:
The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work which would normally be done during 5.6 consecutive weeks.
Background Checks:
A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) check is required for this position of which I will organise. You will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character referees if you have not been employed. I will only contact these if you are offered the position.
Trial Period : This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
To find out more
For further information, please call
01473 603876.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form, by visiting
our website (Suffolk Independent Living)
quoting the job reference number
5135
and return to SIL. Please refer to the job description, when completing your application form.
Please return your complete application form to: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD.
Closing date: 1pm, 28 July 2025.
About the Team
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.
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