Personal Assistant Required - Dalkeith

We are seeking a Personal Assistant to support our seven-year-old son after school. The role involves visiting two to three afternoons per week, providing up to six hours of support during term time, with additional hours available during school holidays.

Our son is a cheerful, smiley and determined little boy with a fantastic sense of humour. He loves being outdoors, watching things move in the wind, exploring sensory activities and getting out and about. Every day brings something different, and we are looking for someone who will enjoy spending time with him, helping him stay safe, comfortable and engaged in the activities he loves.

Our son has physical and learning disabilities and requires one-to-one support and supervision at all times. He is non-verbal, so an important part of this role is taking the time to understand his unique ways of communicating and building a trusting relationship with him.

What the role involves

• Building a positive and trusting relationship with our son.
• Learning and understanding his individual communication methods.
• Providing personal care to ensure his comfort and wellbeing.
• Supporting him to enjoy outings, including walks, trips on the bus or in his wheelchair-accessible vehicle (if you hold a drivers licence) and visits to local shops.
• Administering fluids via his gastrostomy button (full training will be provided).
• Monitoring and reporting any changes in his health or wellbeing.
• Using a ceiling-track hoist to assist with transfers and personal care.

About you

• Kind, patient and dependable.
• Comfortable providing personal care.
• Interested in supporting a child with additional needs.
• A good communicator who can work closely with our family.
• Willing to undertake any required training.

Previous experience using hoists or supporting individuals with disabilities would be an advantage, but full training can be provided for the right person.

Hours

• Up to 6 hours per week during term time.
• Up to 12 hours per week during school holidays.
• Working patterns and specific hours will be discussed at interview.

As both parents work, we are looking for support after school to help care for our son until approximately 5.30 pm.

It is essential that the postholder be a member of the protection of vulnerable groups (PVG) scheme or willing to join.