Personal Assistant

About the role

Are you a patient, friendly and understanding person who enjoys helping others feel comfortable, confident, and supported?

We are looking for a reliable Personal Assistant to provide support to a 28-year-old man, helping him enjoy dedicated time with a trusted person.

He is a naturally quiet and nervous young man who can take time to feel comfortable around new people. He does not tend to speak very much, particularly when meeting someone for the first time, but football is a particular interest and something he enjoys talking about.

Building a positive and trusting relationship will be central to this role. The successful applicant will need to be patient, approachable, and understanding, allowing him time to become familiar with someone new and communicating with him in a way that feels natural and reassuring.

This role offers four hours of support each week, arranged as two separate two-hour sessions. Consistency, patience, and a gentle approach will be important in helping him develop confidence and enjoy positive interactions with his PA.

What will the role involve?

• Building a trusting and positive relationship at his own pace.
• Encouraging conversation and interaction through his interests, particularly football.
• Supporting him to feel comfortable and confident when spending time with someone new.
• Providing reassurance, encouragement, and positive social interaction.
• Supporting his individual needs, preferences, and agreed routines.
• Following guidance provided by his family to ensure consistent and appropriate support.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and treating him with dignity, respect, and understanding at all times.

Requirements of the role

We are looking for someone who:

• Is patient, calm, friendly and approachable.
• Has a reassuring manner and can build rapport with someone who may initially be very reserved.
• Is a good listener and understands the importance of allowing time for communication.
• Is comfortable engaging in conversations about football and his other interests.
• Understands the importance of appropriate professional boundaries when providing support.
• Can respond sensitively and appropriately to social situations, following agreed guidance.
• Is reliable, consistent, and committed to providing dependable support.
• Is respectful, understanding, and non-judgemental.
• Is happy to work in partnership with his family and follow agreed support arrangements.

Previous experience in care, support work or working as a Personal Assistant would be beneficial. Most importantly, you should have the patience and understanding to build a positive relationship and provide individualised support.

Getting started

This role will begin with introductions and an opportunity to get to know one another, allowing time for trust and familiarity to develop. The family will provide relevant information and guidance about his individual needs, preferences, and communication style to help ensure a positive and consistent approach. A patient, understanding and consistent approach will be particularly important during the initial stages.

Important information

This vacancy is advertised by Southend Care Ltd on behalf of an individual client. The successful applicant will be employed and paid directly by the client, not by Southend Care Ltd. Southend Care Ltd facilitates the arrangement.

The successful applicant will be required to complete the appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks for this role. These will include an enhanced DBS check, subject to the role meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, references, and proof of right to work in the UK.

If you are patient, approachable and understand the importance of building trust at someone's own pace, we would love to hear from you.