Personal Assistant (Support Worker)

Personal Assistant (Support Worker)

Job Purpose

Our Personal Assistants support people to lead full, active and socially connected lives, supporting people to achieve the things that matter to them.

Applicants should have, or be willing to work towards, a qualification meeting the standards required for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Job Details

We are looking for a part time (10 hour) Personal Assistant to join a team who support a 60-year old gentleman in his own home and out in the community around the Newington area in Edinburgh. Support is split into various times in the morning and early evening to suit gentleman’s needs. Morning support usually starts at 9am and will vary according to the activities planned for that day. Evening shifts are usually short hour and half visits and will usually end around 7pm.

An ability to swim is desirable but not essential.

Experience working with individuals with neurological conditions is desirable but not essential.

About this opportunity

He says:

"I moved from the south of England to be near family members here in Edinburgh. They have helped me find a place to live, adapted it to my needs, and supported me to date. I have a diagnosis of Epilepsy that is not fully controlled despite a lot of medication, but I am hoping this will not inhibit me from having the lifestyle to which I aspire.

My interests include reading, creative writing, crosswords, competitive Scrabble, and painting and drawing. I like good conversation on diverse topics and I listen to the radio a lot, especially to programmes on history, science and medicine. I am also a keen gardener, and I am interested in nature, particularly birds, flowers, butterflies and moths. I enjoy spending time with my family who are a big part of my life and live nearby.

I want to build on my day-to-day living skills within my new home, wherever possible and consistent with my safety.  I need support with daily chores but would like to be as independent as I can be. This will take patience and understanding from you.

As well as learning to cope on my own in the house and garden I would like to get out more and acquire new skills and interests. With your support I would also like to start doing other activities in and around Edinburgh, explore my local community and get involved in new pursuits, ventures and clubs.  I would like to build up my confidence and develop relationships.  I am hoping you will aid and encourage me in achieving all these goals. I do already have some plans but I am also open to suggestions as to what these new ventures could be. I want to embrace what life has to offer."

About you:

Do you believe you can be the supportive person to help me live independently? 

I need an adaptable person to support me, as my needs can and will vary, especially as I build my skill set and self-assurance, extend my social circle and expand my list of activities.

You will require good communication and social skills to work effectively with family and other members of a small team. We are looking for someone with a warm and friendly personality, who can work professionally and use their own initiative.  

Are you flexible and responsive? Do you have what it takes to support individuals to achieve and maintain a great life? Are you a unique person who wants to share their skills and gifts and make a difference to someone’s life?  Can you help build friendships and find ways to contribute and connect to the local community?  

Successful candidates will be subject to a PVG check which will be paid for by Thistle. 

If you would like an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Melanie.Caplan@thistle.org.uk

Please click here for the full job description.

Job ref: PB241

What we offer

We are committed to supporting you to develop your skills as a practitioner and creating career development opportunities. At Thistle, you will have access to sector-leading training courses and be supported to achieve your SVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care accreditation.

Employee Benefits

• Starting salary £12.10 per hour (£24,538 per annum (FTE)) rising to £12.40 per hour (£25,147 (FTE)).
• Fantastic training (on full pay)
  This includes enhanced learning in person-centred practice, leadership skills, IT and other bespoke training courses.
• SSSC registration paid for by Thistle
• Support to achieve SVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care
• Support from regular meetings with your team, Lead Practitioner or Coach
• Contributory pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service benefit scheme
• 30 days of annual leave, increasing by 1 day/year up to 35 days
• Free Thistle Gym membership
• Membership of the HSF Health Plan
• Refer a Friend scheme, paying £250 for successfully referring someone to work with us