Caren

My Requirements

PERSONAL ASSISTANT / CARER & COMPANION REQUIRED

Location: Hildenborough / Tonbridge area, Kent
Hours: 27 hours per week, Monday–Thursday
Pay: £15 per hour
Start: Ideally within the next 1–2 weeks

We are looking for a kind, reliable and enthusiastic Carer & Companion to support our 19-year-old daughter, who has physical disabilities (full time wheelchair user) and is currently awaiting an appropriate college placement.

The role is 27 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, providing support during the day while she is at home and out in the community. Role is an employed role paid through direct payments.

This is a lovely opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young adults and wants to make a genuine difference to her independence, confidence and quality of life.

The role will include:
Providing physical assistance with day-to-day activities (full time wheelchair user)
Supporting with personal care and hygiene
Helping with eating and drinking, including preparation and clearing up
Supporting her to move safely around the home and community
Helping her access activities and outings
Providing companionship and social interaction
Supporting independence and encouraging her to participate in activities as much as possible
Helping with simple household tasks relating to her care
Accompanying her to appointments and activities
Providing a calm, patient and supportive presence throughout the day
Supporting her to prepare for her next stage of life, including developing greater independence and confidence as she prepares to leave home for college
Helping her explore and work towards her future aspirations, including developing life skills, vocational skills and an understanding of potential career opportunities
Encouraging her to make choices, build confidence and develop skills that will support her transition into adulthood and future college and career opportunities

Our daughter is a bright and sociable young woman who enjoys interaction, activities and being part of family and community life. She communicates verbally and cognitively able. She needs someone who is patient, warm, observant and willing to learn how best to support her individual needs.

We are particularly looking for someone who can see beyond the practical aspects of care and help her develop confidence, independence and aspirations for her future.

We are looking for someone who:
Has experience of caring for or supporting someone with physical disabilities (desirable but not essential)
Is confident providing personal care or willing to undertake appropriate training, which we will provide in the role
Is physically able to provide the level of assistance required
Is reliable, responsible and punctual
Has a friendly and positive personality
Is comfortable working as part of a family team
Has good communication skills
Is able to encourage independence while providing the necessary support
Has a good sense of humour and enjoys companionship as well as practical care
Ideally is comfortable and tolerant around friendly, excitable dogs, as we have a French Bulldog who is very much part of our family!
Essential requirements:
A full and valid UK driving licence is essential, as the role will involve accompanying her to activities and appointments.
An up-to-date DBS check is highly desirable. If you do not currently have one, you must be willing to obtain one as soon as possible.
Recent references will be required as part of the recruitment process.
Previous experience with cerebral palsy, complex physical disabilities or young adults with additional needs would be particularly welcome, but attitude, reliability and the right personality are equally important.

This is initially a role supporting her while we await confirmation of an appropriate post-19 college placement. There may be potential for the hours and role to develop depending on her future college arrangements.

If you are interested, please do get in touch for an informal chat and to discuss the role in greater detail. We would be very happy to tell you more about our daughter, the support she needs and what the role involves.