About the Employer

About the employer I am both the employer and service user who has access to a direct payment for PA care and support via Sunderland Council. I have a diagnosis of ME, POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) FND (Functional neurological disorder) and Vestibular migraine and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. I live at home with my partner and 2 young children. I am physically quite limited and find it difficult to move around, I need a wheelchair when traveling outside and have access to both a manual and powered chair. I suffer from vertigo, dizziness and migraines which can affect my mood so I can sometimes be unsteady and find it difficult to move about quickly. I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and suffer particularly when going somewhere I am not familiar with. I spend a great deal of time at home and I am quite isolated. I love my dog, I enjoy going out shopping, particularly to charity shops and car boot sales and to the café. I also enjoy art, although I have not been able to do any myself recently. I also enjoy watching TV, especially reality TV and I enjoy reading magazines. I am seeking a PA for 10 hours per week to allow me some independence and time away from my partner which will enable us both time to ourselves Summary of duties Summary of duties: The role will be primarily to help me at home, assist with light household duties and tasks, preparation of meals and companionship. The PA will also allow me the opportunity to socialise and get out and about in the community. Initially we may go out to the café and shopping, but we could do other activities once we get more familiar with each other. Sometimes, because of my health conditions, I might find it impossible to leave the house. On those occasions, you could stay with me at home to keep me company and assist with some light household duties or gardening. There may be requirement for my PA to support me to attend appointments A car driver is an essential requirement as I use a wheelchair and will require my PA to drive me to places. My needs may vary from day to day and your tasks may reflect this. You could be required to perform other duties as reasonably required. You may be required to undertake any training that is considered necessary and appropriate to your role.

---

Employer Disability and Health Conditions

• Mobility / Physical • Mental Health • Invisible

---

The employer's hobbies and interests:

• Shopping/car boot sales/charity shops• Going to cafe's/meals out• Reading magazines/watching TV

---

Other relevant information

• The individual keeps pets in the home.Dog.

About the Role

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with household chores and general homemaking.
• Support and/or prompt to attend appointments as necessary, e.g. hospital/doctors.
• Support with food shopping.
• Support and/or prompt the individual to access sporting and leisure activities.
• Assist and encourage socialisation, participating in activities.
• Promote and encourage friendships and independence.
• Develop a good and trusting one to one working relationship.
• Support with gardening.

---

The individuals needs may vary from day to day and your tasks may reflect this. You could be required to perform other duties as reasonably required.

You have a responsibility as an employee to report all accidents to the employer immediately. You have a duty to report defects and / or hazards which may give rise to an accident. You are to ensure the safety of the individual at all times.

Transport Requirement

Car driver and car owner – must have business insurance.

Required Skills

• Be honest, reliable, trustworthy and punctual.• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy, including the prohibited use of social media in relation to the job role.
• To be able to work on own initiative.
• To be able to follow instructions accurately.
• Be patient, supportive and caring.
• Have good listening skills and be able to provide non-judgemental emotional support.
• Be empathetic.
• Previous caring experience is essential.
• Flexibility would be an advantage as the hours may be variable.
• Be self-motivated with a willingness to get involved.
• Have a lively personality.

Required Training

Successful candidates are required to undertake any training that is considered necessary and appropriate to the role.

---

Moving and Handling. PA must already hold relevant qualification.