Personal Assistant

Become a Personal Assistant with Southend Care

Make a real difference to someone’s life by becoming a Personal Assistant (PA) through Southend Care. PAs provide one-to-one support to people who receive Direct Payments, helping them live independently at home and stay connected with their community.

What Is a Personal Assistant?

A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone employed directly by a person who receives Direct Payments from social care. As a PA, you support someone to live the life they choose. Every PA role is unique and based on the needs and preferences of the individual employer.

Typical tasks may include: 
• Personal care such as washing, dressing, or preparing meals 
• Social support such as outings, appointments, or hobbies 
• Household tasks such as cleaning, shopping, or organising 
• Helping someone at work, school, or in community activities

Experience is useful but not always essential. What matters most is being reliable, respectful, and willing to support someone in a person-centred way.

Employment Type: Employed or Self-Employed Personal Assistant

A PA can work in two different ways: as an employed PA or as a self-employed PA. Both options can suit different people, depending on how they prefer to work.

Employed Personal Assistant 
As an employed PA, you are hired directly by the person receiving Direct Payments (or by their representative). 
The employer is responsible for:  
• Paying your wages 
• Managing tax and National Insurance 
• Providing holiday pay 
• Ensuring insurance is in place

Benefits of being an employed PA: 
• You receive paid holidays 
• Your tax and National Insurance are handled for you 
• Clear expectations and agreed working patterns

This option is ideal for people who prefer stability and being part of an ongoing, structured role.

Self-Employed Personal Assistant 
As a self-employed PA, you work for yourself and provide services to individuals who receive Direct Payments. You are responsible for: 
• Managing your own tax and National Insurance 
• Invoicing for your work 
• Managing your own schedule 
• Providing your own insurance (e.g., public liability insurance)

Benefits of being a self-employed PA: 
• You have full control over your working hours 
• You manage your own workload and business 
• Flexibility to take on short-term or long-term arrangements

This option is ideal for people who enjoy flexibility, independence, and varied roles. Please note that Self Employed PA's will be required to pay for, and have in place, an Enhanced DBS in addition to Personal Liability Insurance. Any Direct Payment Client using a self employed PA, will be required to undertake a Employment Status Indicator check before a service contract can be finalised.

Southend Care can support individuals and PAs in understanding which option is appropriate based on their working arrangements and Direct Payment requirements.

Why Become a Personal Assistant with Southend Care?

• Flexible hours that fit around your lifestyle 
• Meaningful work that supports someone’s independence 
• Roles that vary depending on the person you work with 
• Training opportunities such as first aid, safeguarding, and moving and handling 
• The opportunity to make a direct positive impact on someone’s life

Why Join the Southend Care PA Register?

Joining the Southend Care PA Register connects you with local people who are looking for support. It also demonstrates your commitment to providing safe and reliable care.

The register offers: 
• The opportunity for your profile to be viewed by direct payment recipients in Southend 
• Credibility and reassurance for potential employers 
• Access to useful information, resources, and training 
• Opportunities to be contacted directly about PA roles 
• Access to DBS check and vetting service (subject to appropriate fees)

Who Can Become a Personal Assistant?

You can become a PA if you: 
• Are caring, patient, and respectful 
• Communicate well 
• Can work independently 
• Are reliable and trustworthy 
• Are willing to learn

Previous experience is not always required, and many PAs come from a wide range of backgrounds.

What Does a Personal Assistant Do?

Every PA role is different. Tasks may involve:

Personal Support: washing, dressing, meal preparation, or medication prompts. 
Social Support: attending activities, trips out, or community involvement. 
Practical Support: shopping, cleaning, or organising the home. 
Employment or Education Support: helping someone get to work, college, or community activities.

Working Conditions and Pay

• PAs are usually employed directly by the person receiving Direct Payments. 
• Pay rates vary depending on the employer’s budget and local guidelines. 
• Hours are flexible and based on the employer’s needs.

To learn more about becoming a PA or to join our register please email Direct Payments - Advice, Information & Guidance Team 

FAQ's