Senior Care Assistant/team Leader

I am a 41yo disabled man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I employ a team of PAs to support me 24/7 living independently at home, and going out and about professionally and socially.

I'm looking for a senior care assistant/PA manager to head up my PA team. This role will involve 2-3 personal care shifts per week, as well as the coordination of the rota and training of the PA team. Personal care shifts will include occasional weekends and you can choose either 9 AM to 6 PM or 9 AM to 10 PM. You will also be required to run occasional 2 hour blocks of training during the other PAs' shifts.

There is flexibility in exactly how this role will work, and the hours/shifts. You can choose anything from 27-38 hours per week. This role is a fixed 6 month contract, however it is planned that this will be extended, based on performance and funding.

I'm looking for someone to start as soon as possible but am happy to wait for the right person if they need to give notice to another employer.

About me

I have severe muscle weakness in all areas which restricts all movement, requiring the use of a ventilator and electric wheelchair. I require assistance with all aspects of personal care, getting out socially and at-work support, full training is given by me. You must be OK with cats (I have two), and be comfortable supporting me as a gay man living with my husband. We enjoy travelling, baking and drinking cocktails and love to have fun. During the day I'm mostly working from home.

What I'm looking for

You will be able to recognise the responsibility of your role in maintaining my well-being without becoming overwhelmed by it. The job will feel intense at first but once you learn the job it becomes much easier. You will be given extensive training, but it is important that you can be comfortable with the responsibility of supporting someone on life support on a 1-to-1 basis. You will be comfortable taking direction from me on how to provide my care.

Although I am looking for someone who can be professional when needed, the role can also be social, fun and relaxed. My PAs have supported me to get married, travel around the world and to have fun staycations at home. My PAs are a vital part of my life. For me, the most important qualifications are your own personal qualities.

As this role is senior, I am looking for someone with at least one years care experience. Ideally you will have an NVQ level 3 or equivalent but this is not essential. You must be well organised and able to take initiative in designing and coordinating training and competency checks of the PA team.

Job details

Shifts can be 9am-6pm or 9am-10pm in the day. There will be busy periods, for example getting me up in the morning, preparing food & mealtimes, and putting me to bed, and on some days when supporting me to go out and about. At other times there will be quiet times when you will need to keep yourself occupied (you're welcome to use phones/laptops/tablets or study during that time). The role is 1-to-1 so although I have a care team, you should be comfortable with working on your own with me.

Interviews will be carried out over video messaging - I can use zoom, Skype, FaceTime and most other platforms, whatever you prefer. If the interview is successful I will invite you to my flat for a practical trial.

Pay is £14 per hour. You will be entitled to holiday pay and will be issued with employment contracts. There's an opportunity to earn additional pay of £1000-£2000 about twice a year if supporting me on holidays. All applicants must be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and provide references.

I aim to be a respectful, understanding and supportive employer, because I know that happy staff provide better care. I also personally invest hours of training in each new PA and want to see them succeed. This is NOT a generic job with an employer that doesn't care.

MAIN DUTIES:

- running training sessions for existing PAs
- working with me to manage the PA rota
- sourcing and coordinating external training sessions for existing PAs
- monitoring equipment and keeping everything stocked and in working order
- planning and coordinating trips away from home, ensuring PAs are supported to work outside the home
- supervision and check ins with the PA team

**During a care shift your duties will include**:
Supporting me to go out socially
Managing my ventilator and ensuring it is connected and functionally correctly at all times
Monitoring my health and wellbeing throughout the shift
Getting me washed, dressed and ready in the morning
Getting me undressed and ready for bed in the evenings

Assisting me with toileting
Assisting me with dental care, skin and nail care, including monitoring any problem areas
Preparing food and drink as required and helping to manage my diet plan.
Assisting me with eating at mealtimes.
Supporting me to access technology e.g. computers, TV, Ipad & phone
Support me with pet care for my cats - including feeding, cle