What is a Personal Assistant (PA)

Personal Assistants (PA) perform a variety of tasks, including domestic and personal care, support to access community, or leisure and social activities. It’s an important role and can be an extremely rewarding career, as you will be supporting someone to live an independent, active personal and social life to the best of their abilities.

Why are Mainstay moving to Personal Assistants?

Mainstay are moving from Support Workers and Residential Works to PA’s, we are choosing to use the term personal assistance because it is less emotive than care and support worker and shows the person/client is in control of the assistance they receive.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Personal Assistant (PA)

Job Title: Personal Assistant (PA)

Location: Mainstay – Downpatrick Location will be determined on appointment. Please note that all team members may be subject to transfer between locations according to client’s needs.

Accountable to: Registered Manager of the service

Reports to: Senior of the service/Team Leader

Hours of work: Up to 40 hours per week (Work includes irregular hours e.g. daytime, evenings, weekends, split shifts. And will require regular waking night duty to meet the needs of our clients)

Salary: From £10.69-£11.61 per hour

As well as working every day in a fulfilling career, we also offer –

Comprehensive training aligned to NISCC

Free meals while on shift (all frontline staff)

Support to gain market-leading qualifications

Mentoring and on the job training from our experienced team members

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking on all of our sites

Refer-a-friend bonuses

Employer funded Healthcare scheme (which includes savings on high street retail outlets and gym membership)

Annual Leave:  20 days per annum (plus an additional 3 days following 5 years’ service)

8 Bank Holidays per year

Job Purpose: To support Mainstay in delivering their vison for any individual with a profound and multiple learning disability to lead a happy, healthy, fulfilled life of independence within their local community. All whilst being given choice and support, enabling them to live their best life possible. As a PA you will ensure everyone is provided with choices and support to lead a happy, healthy independent life to the best of their abilities within their community.

Main tasks and responsibilities are:

Support ALL clients to live THEIR best lives!

Your overall responsibility will be to support the client not do for them, all clients will need different levels of support but your role is not to step in to do but to see how much they can do with support. Your role will involve being a client’s key worker, supporting them to set outcomes and goals for themselves and supporting them to achieve them. Below are some examples of tasks you may be asked to complete each day, however each and every one of our clients are individual and have a different level of support required so all their care and support plans will let you know what they need.

• Help with personal care, such as washing and dressing (although not all PA roles involve personal care)

• Support clients to manage their money and take responsibility for ensuring all finance related policies and procedures are adhered to.

• Support with the administration of medication

• Support clients to access community, social and leisure activities

• Help with household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry

• Helping/supporting preparing shopping list and preparing meals

• Support clients with their communication to help them overcome social exclusion

• Helping individuals to get to work, college or day care

• Assist clients to maintain relationships with family and friends

• Support clients to meet new people and develop new friendships

• To get about in the community, by providing transport, driving their car or using public transport

• To maintain hobbies and interests, like going to the cinema, gigs, swimming or going on holiday

• To support clients communicate their wants and needs

• To support clients become healthier after a physical illness, for example, through a better diet or more exercise.

Skills you will need

You will need to be able to develop a strong and trusting relationship with the person you are supporting and enjoy helping them to live life the way they choose. Your role is not to make decisions for them, but to help them live an independent life. A PA needs to be –

• Highly motivated, and committed to delivering service excellence

• Commitment to personal and professional development

• Can develop an approach to practice based on critical thinking, reflection and feedback

• Have the capacity and self-confidence to innovate

• Non-judgemental, with ability to empathise with clients

• Honest, trustworthy and respectful

• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Flexible, energetic, positive and calming disposition

• Resilient and self-caring

What we need from you

• Remember you are a professional Social Care worker and have signed up to the NISCC code of Standards and Practice

• To be punctual and demonstrate a strong teamwork ethic

• That you act in a professional way at all times

• Dedicate your time at work to supporting our clients

• Support your shift leader, team leader, senior and Managers to deliver a first class service for our clients and service users

• Partake in training to ensure personal and professional development and maintain the required level of training compliance

• Follow all Heath and Safety guidelines

• Take responsibility for your work

• Share your skills and knowledge to support the organisations ongoing development

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with or offering support a vulnerable client group

• Experience of providing personal care for vulnerable adults

• Ability to work under pressure • Excellent IT and report writing skills

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation

• Knowledge of social care and NISCC standards

Desirable Criteria

• NVQ Level 2 in Care or Equivalent qualifications (or willingness to work towards), or suitable experience

• NVQ level 3 in Care or Equivalent qualifications

• Experience of working in a supported living/residential/care organisation

• Experience of working with people who have a learning disability and/or autism

• Experience of administration of medication

• Full and Valid UK Driving License (or access to suitable transport to allow you to for fill the duties of the role)

NOTE This position is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Copies of the relevant policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders as well as the Access NI Code of Practice are available on request. Please note that having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position with Mainstay.

About us

Mainstay was formed in 1990 when a group of parents and carers of adults with learning disabilities and autism came together to create a local service to provide high quality care and support for their loved ones. We started as Down Residential Project, a small residential home for 9 service users in one location, and we’ve expanded and developed over the years, continuously adapting what we do to meet the changing needs of our service users.

Today, we are a dynamic, multi-service organisation, supporting over 300 service users and clients across Residential, Supported Living, Short Breaks, and Day Opportunities services in multiple locations in Downpatrick. Our passionate and highly trained 120 staff teamwork alongside our service users as one big Mainstay Family.

Our Mission has always been to provide a range of high-quality services which are safe, effective and compassionate for people of different abilities, and their families. The current aim is to become more outcome focused and support our clients to look at their possibilities and not their disability. To co-produce a standard of care, lead by the individuals we support in an inclusive, meaningful manner, no matter the complexity of their needs, within a community of opportunity.

Who we are looking for

Do you have a compassionate and caring nature? Are you looking to make a difference to people’s lives? Do you want to work in an environment where no 2 days are the same? Are you flexible with your working hours? Can you see yourself providing support to our clients?

If you have answered a big YES to these questions, we would love to hear from you.

What is a Community Navigator

Community Navigator’s are an exciting new role to support Mainstay in our drive for excellence in measuring our impact and outcomes. Navigators will respond and interact directly with clients to support their individual needs in a flexible and responsive manner by providing an initial strength based conversational assessment, information, advice, guidance, social prescribing and signposting as well as practical support.

Navigator’s will Support, Empower & Encourage individuals to maintain independence wellbeing, confidence, and resilience by using assets within their local communities or services which Mainstay offer. The role is to help our clients live their best lives, be the best they can be and have FUN.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:                              Community Navigator

Accountable to:                  Registered Manager of the Community Hub

Reports to:                           Community Champion

Hours of work:                    Up to 40 hours per week

(Work includes irregular hours e.g. daytime, evenings, weekends, split shifts).

Salary:                                  £11.01per hour

As well as working every day in a fulfilling career, we also offer –

Comprehensive training aligned to NISCC

Support to gain market-leading qualifications

Mentoring and on the job training from our experienced team members

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking on all of our sites

Refer-a-friend bonuses

Employer funded Healthcare scheme (which includes savings on high street retail outlets and gym membership)

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Team Training Fund

Team Support Fund – offering loan or free grant up to £350.

Reward through Excellence Programme – with cash incentives

Discounted gym membership

Family friendly working schedules

Annual Leave                      20 days per annum (plus an additional 3 days following 5 years’ service)

                                                8 Bank Holidays per year

Job Purpose:

To support Mainstay in delivering their vison for any individual with a profound and multiple learning disability to lead a happy, healthy, fulfilled life of independence within their local community. All whilst being given choice and support, enabling them to live their best life possible using the outcome star to show the impact and outcomes.

To support clients to identify meaningful social activities and work in partnership with Heath and Social Care, the voluntary sector and other professionals to identify opportunities for carers to build their social network. To provide a programme of activities for clients to engage in.

Main tasks and responsibilities are:

Support ALL clients to live THEIR best lives!

Outcome framework

The aim of an outcomes approach is to make sure that clients are supported to live the best life possible, building on their own strengths, capabilities and challenging assumptions.

• Promote opportunities for the client to reflect on their life, explore concerns and aspirations
• Assess clients’ needs and develop support plans and risk assessments that encompass the outcomes framework, to develop their independence
• Work with clients on a one-to-one basis to complete their person-centred support plan, identify goals or programmes that will help to develop these skills
• Empower clients to be active participants in their support, using a collaborative approach and encouragement to talk about views/options, to help them make decisions for themselves
• Identify what the client wants to achieve, how best to achieve it and agree plans
• Provide clients with information on services available that may be relevant to their goal

• Plan realistic and achievable goals, that help to show clients progress and skills developed

• Measure the change within these processes, identify the impact and outcomes achieved and completing all relevant paperwork

• Maintain accurate data and information to analyse own performance. Use data and information to continually assess performance against strategic goals

Support groups and networks

• Develop relationships in the local community maintaining a pipeline of opportunities for clients by growing and leveraging your network
• Develop new groups and social activities for clients and developing a wide range of opportunities for social engagement
• Providing person centred practices which may include signposting and/or referring to other organisations
• Undertaking social support plans, to achieve outcomes that support the clients to become socially included self-reliant and build a network of support
• Wellbeing checks and community planning
• Assist client in the identification of activities and support their engagement

Capacity building

• Build and maintain an in-depth working knowledge of local community and voluntary groups and to identify opportunities to develop innovative services for clients
• Build effective partnerships with Health and Social Care staff and other professional bodies
• To identify new social activities to support clients to provide meaningful social engagement
• Work with internal and external team members to develop and implement new ways to support clients to be socially included and build their social bubble

Skills you will need

You will need to be able to develop a strong and trusting relationship with the person you are supporting and enjoy helping them to live life the way they choose. Your role is not to make decisions for them, but to help them live an independent life. The skills and qualities you will need to have –

Knowledge of Learning Disabilities and Autism is essential for this role and we are looking for somebody who is:

• Passionate, caring and enthusiastic
• Flexible, patient and non-judgmental
• A great team player with lots of energy
• Able to demonstrate good communication skills

What we need from you

• Remember you are a professional Social Care worker and have signed up to the NISCC code of Standards and Practice
• To be punctual and demonstrate a strong teamwork ethic
• That you act in a professional way at all times
• Dedicate your time at work to supporting our clients
• Support your shift leader, team leader, senior and Managers to deliver a first class service for our clients and service users
• Partake in training to ensure personal and professional development and maintain the required level of training compliance
• Follow all Heath and Safety guidelines
• Take responsibility for your work
• Share your skills and knowledge to support the organisations ongoing development

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with or offering support to a vulnerable client group
• Proven track record in successfully building strong relationships both face to face and virtually within a local community to achieve Charity objectives using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Effective interpersonal skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver effective and engaging presentations or workshops to a broad-based audience
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, use initiative and be resilient
• Excellent working knowledge of IT systems with experience of Microsoft Office or Google Suite and virtual communication platforms, with the ability to learn and adopt new technologies where appropriate
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Charity
• Knowledge of social care and NISCC standards
• Know how to have fun and make tasks fun

Desirable Criteria

• A qualification in Community Development, Social Prescribing or Social signposting or a related field
• Proven experience in a similar role, such as a Community Navigator/Activator/Signposter
• Familiarity with the Outcomes Star/Independent Living Star
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland social services sector and local community resources
• Experience of working with people who have different ability and are Neuro diverse
• Full and Valid UK Driving License (or access to suitable transport to allow you to for fill the duties of the role)

NOTE This position is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Copies of the relevant policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders as well as the Access NI Code of Practice are available on request. Please note that having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position with Mainstay.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Programme Facilitator – Daycare Worker

Job Title: Programme Facilitator

Location: Mainstay – Cumulus one – Community Hub

(Please note that all team members may be subject to transfer between locations according to client’s needs)

Accountable to: Registered Manager of the service

Reports to: Senior of the service/Team Leader

Hours of work: 30 hours per week

(Work includes irregular hours e.g. daytime, evenings, weekends,)

Salary: £10.69 per hour

As well as working every day in a fulfilling career, we also offer –

Comprehensive training aligned to NISCC

Support to gain market-leading qualifications

Mentoring and on the job training from our experienced team members

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking on all of our sites

Refer-a-friend bonuses

Employer funded Healthcare scheme (which includes savings on high street retail outlets and gym membership)

Annual Leave 20 days per annum (plus an additional 3 days following 5 years’ service)

8 Bank Holidays per year

Job Purpose:

To work in partnership with Day Services Management & the Community Hub Team, including, families and external professionals to develop and implement individual day care & evening programmes which respond to the specific needs of each service user and are in line with Health and Safety. Monitor and review programmes and make necessary changes depending on the needs of the service users.

Job Activities:

· Develop new programmes for our service users which will enhance their daily living skills, independence, health and wellbeing

· Monitor and review programmes to continuously improve them, and ensuring they are aligned to the needs of our service users.

· To identify any new risks within programmes, mitigate the risks involved and then report your actions to your line manager for review and formal update of risk assessment.

· Act as a keyworker for individual service users and keep records in line with organisational and legislative requirements.

· Assist with the organising of reviews for allocated service users.

· Support service users with daily living skills, to include finance, cleaning, cooking, social and communication skills, health and wellbeing, and facilitate learning in these areas

· Participate in involving service users in recreational, vocational and social activities through talking to them, taking them out, where appropriate, to locations outside the centre, sharing in activities such as reading, writing, hobbies and interests.

· Accurately maintain all records and administration in line with our policies and procedures, including using our online care logging system, and providing effective handover information to team members

· Adhere to all health and safety requirements in the fulfilment of the role

· Report, record and escalate incidents, accidents and complaints appropriately and in good time, in line with our policies and procedures

· Support our service users with things like eating, drinking, personal care, and mobility as may be required and in line their support plans and best practice

· Assist in the administration of medication to service users as required and in line with our Policies and Procedures

· Help fundraise for the organisation while promoting our charity and meet contractual agreements.

· Adhere to all health and safety requirements in the fulfilment of the role, such as Fire Protection, Safeguarding adults at risk.

· Take part in the collection and distribution of money from our central office to your working location

· Uphold the Mainstay DRP Code of Professional Conduct, in your role as a NISCC registered health and social care professional

· Actively participate in supervisions with your manager and develop your skills in required areas

· Actively and positively participate in regular team meetings

· Attend training events and courses as required in the fulfilment of your role. Training sessions could be arranged week days or weekends depending on needs of service.

· Maintain annual registration with the NISCC

Skills you will need

You will need to be able to develop a strong and trusting relationship with the person you are supporting and enjoy helping them to live life the way they choose. Your role is not to make decisions for them, but to help them live an independent life. A Programme Facilitator needs to be –

· Highly motivated, and committed to delivering service excellence

· Commitment to personal and professional development

· Can develop an approach to practice based on critical thinking, reflection and feedback

· Have the capacity and self-confidence to innovate

· Non-judgemental, with ability to empathise with clients

· Honest, trustworthy and respectful

· Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

· Flexible, energetic, positive and calming disposition

· Resilient and self-caring

What we need from you

· Remember you are a professional Social Care worker and have signed up to the NISCC code of Standards and Practice

· To be punctual and demonstrate a strong teamwork ethic

· That you always act in a professional way

· Dedicate your time at work to supporting our clients

· Support your shift leader, team leader, senior and Managers to deliver a first class service for our clients and service users

· Partake in training to ensure personal and professional development and maintain the required level of training compliance

· Follow all Heath and Safety guidelines

· Take responsibility for your work

· Share your skills and knowledge to support the organisations ongoing development

Essential Criteria

1. Able to display a skill that you can share with our service users, as part of the Community Hub Programme, such as music, cookery, sport, beauty, art, gardening, drama etc. ( The list is endless)

2. Able to solely research, solely source, solely organise & solely co-ordinate a variety of other beneficial programmes for our service users, which means liaising with service users, external services & agencies & external

independent facilitators to create future programmes, within budget & in line with our Finance policies & procedures.

3. Have Experience in risk assessment & be able to create & implement new risk assessments for service users & events.

4. A good standard of education, with good numeracy and literacy skills, as well as basic ICT skills

5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

6. Positive attitude

7. Ability to work under pressure

8. A strong team worker

9. Able to support service users to develop life skills.

10. Be able to work towards outcomes & record these outcomes on a variety of outcome stars.

11. Motivated to work in a challenging, fast paced environment, but extremely fulfilling & caring environment, working with adults with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health conditions, dementia & Autism.

Desirable Criteria

· NVQ Level 2 in Care or Equivalent qualifications (or willingness to work towards), or suitable experience

· NVQ level 3 in Care or Equivalent qualifications

· Experience of co-ordinating programmes for groups of people

· Experience of working with people who have a learning disability and/or autism

· Full and Valid UK Driving License (or access to suitable transport to allow you to for fill the duties of the role)

NOTE This position is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Copies of the relevant policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders as well as the Access NI Code of Practice are available on request. Please note that having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position with Mainstay

Team Leader Mainstay

“This can be your future, are you willing to make the move?”

• Are you a confident leader, used to working in an environment and culture where adults with different abilities are supported to live their best life?
• Could you make it possible for our clients to fly a kite, make mud pies, and help them fulfill their dreams (even if they do not know what they are yet?)
• Can you respect, listen to, and involve our clients in as many decisions as possible? Do you have the knowledge, skills and experience of working in Residential care/Supported Living/Day care services and/or working with adults with severe and complex learning disability and autism? Do you want an exciting opportunity to develop a new and exciting service and a staff team to their maximum potential? If so, read on!

Mainstay is looking for an experienced Team Leader to lead and manage their new model of support and care services for adults with disabilities in Northern Ireland within the day-to-day running of our services. You will need to be dynamic and forward thinking, with exceptional leadership skills, have experience of managing staff teams and working towards outcomes and targets.

You will support us to make our services vibrant, client centered, empowering staff to be creative and motivated to deliver care and support that enhance the lives of all the clients and provide an environment that helps them flourish.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll have previous experience of managing a successful Care/day or respite service delivery home (not restricted to the Health and Social care sector) and hold a NVQ level 3 or will work towards one (must complete within one year of starting post). A confident leader with excellent communication skills, you’ll be comfortable building relationships and collaborating with other health professionals and wider health teams. Someone who can help us grow our short breaks business model, set and deliver KPI’s, budgets and business plans.

Above all, you are passionate about caring for others, putting our clients at the heart of every decision you make. Leading by example, you’ll share best practice and cultivate an open and honest culture amongst your team to help deliver outstanding service to clients, who use of services while delivering our business objectives.

Team Leaders Duties:

You will be responsible for the day-to-day operational running of a shift, ensuring that all clients’ care, and support needs are being met, that we have processes in place to support our clients to live their best lives by focusing on their abilities and not their disabilities.

You will be accountable for the work and actions of your team members, and it will be your role to help them deliver a top-class service. You will also support the Manager in delivering the business plan and KPI’s for the service. Working alongside the senior to deliver an excellent person-centered service for the ultimate benefit of the people living in and being supported by the service.

Clients – As a Team Leader you will be responsible for providing a needs and outcome led service to adults with a learning disability by adopting a person- centered approach that fosters self-awareness, personal growth and ensures that each person has their voice heard with regards to decision making and lifestyle choices. You will be responsible for the clients yearly reviews along with other healthcare professionals. You will support your team to look at clients’ abilities and possibilities, while adapting their care and support plans to suit their care needs.

Activities – You will deliver and arrange activities for clients to provide a stimulating environment to meet their emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. You will organize a stimulating programme of internal and external activity sessions. You will coordinate and produce activities to include one to one activities as well as group sessions, ensuring that this is circulated for all clients to be able to participate. You will motivate, encourage and participate in activities with the clients, delegate to staff their responsibilities to ensure activities are happening on a regular bases. Most importantly you will enable the clients to have FUN!

Team members – You will provide leadership to the team always acting as a positive role model. You will conduct the inductions of new team members. Manage rotas daily bases, and address any issues with the rotas. Motivate, support and mentor the team members, support them in the growth of their role, carry out quarterly supervision meetings, set team members KPI’s and provide information to the Service Manager to carry out yearly appraisals. You will also ensure that team members are trained on new processes or policies put in place, identify training or support which will help team members to offer a first class service.

Environment – You will be responsible for ensuring that all services/properties are of a high standard, you will report all repairs & maintenance issues on to the correct person and address any issues that need addressed within the accommodation.

You will create a culture of a good working and living environment by ensuring your team all work & grow together to deliver the highest standard of care and support to our clients.

Standard required – You will be required to complete all necessary paperwork to an acceptable standard, ensure that all polices, and processes are followed, carry out weekly and monthly audits on paperwork, log my care notes and on other systems that are in place.

Ensure work is recorded accurately and appropriately in compliance with the company requirements and that records made, and personal information used are in compliance with the Data Protection Act and the standards of information governance in relation to GDPR.

Ensure Petty Cash and people’s monies are checked, balanced and recorded at the end of your shift and audited weekly and monthly.

Supporting the Mainstay Management team by having responsibility for the below (includes but not limited to) –

Ensuring that staffing levels and competencies meet the requirements of the service and its clients

Ensuring each clients have a care and support plan that reflects his or her emotional, care, education, social, therapeutic, and cultural needs

Regularly reviewing and updating the placement plan

Along with the Senior and Manager allocating each client, a key worker who is responsible for the implementation of the care and support plan

Building relationships with parents, carers and other professionals in relation to the support provided to each person

Ensure the health needs of each Client is documented and staff have the skills and competencies to support those needs including behaviour that may challenge.

Ensuring continuous improvement within the service working closely with colleagues in quality and compliance.

Ensuring new staff receive an induction and that each member of staff has a personal development plan

Working in partnership with other colleagues within the charity to support positive outcomes

Requirements for this role:

• Over two years in a position relevant to the residential/Supported Housing/day services of adults with severe and complex learning disabilities or two years’ experience of working with a vulnerable client group or individual
• Over two years in a role requiring the leading of a shift, supervising staff and training staff (can be a paid or voluntary role)
• Experience of managing, setting outcomes and KPI’s

It’s also important that you have:

Skills/Qualities:

• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to motivate others
• Flexible
• Positive disposition
• Creative and Dynamic
• Reliable
• Good IT skills
• Have excellent time keeping and attendance

Qualifications:

NVQ level 3 or will work towards (must complete within one year of starting post)

O’ level/GCSE/essential Skills/ Key stage 2 – English O’ level/GCSE/essential Skills/Key stage 2 – Maths

To be successful in applying for this role you must have the above skills, qualifications and experience, however we will also require a reference from our current line manager, they will be asked about your skills and qualities, time keep and attendance, attitude and willingness to be a team player.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• 40 Hours per week – Permanent Post (Working hours irregular hours such as daytime, evenings, weekends, split shifts on a rota basis, as well as some waking night duty).
• Salary £ 24,960
• 25 annual Leave days per year
• 8 Bank Holidays per year
• Statutory Sick Pay
• Comprehensive training aligned to NISCC
• Support to gain market-leading qualifications
• Mentoring and on the job training from our experienced staff
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension
• Free parking on all of our sites

Your hours will be on a rota basis to ensure appropriate on call cover within the service to include on call duties at weekends and holiday periods (any additional hours will be paid for).

What is a Personal Assistant (PA)

Personal Assistants (PA) perform a variety of tasks, including domestic and personal care, support to access community, or leisure and social activities. It’s an important role and can be an extremely rewarding career, as you will be supporting someone to live an independent, active personal and social life to the best of their abilities.

Why are Mainstay moving to Personal Assistants?

Mainstay are moving from Support Workers and Residential Works to PA’s, we are choosing to use the term personal assistance because it is less emotive than care and support worker and shows the person/client is in control of the assistance they receive.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Personal Assistant (PA)

Job Title: Personal Assistant (PA)

Location: Mainstay – Downpatrick Location will be determined on appointment. Please note that all team members may be subject to transfer between locations according to client’s needs.

Accountable to: Registered Manager of the service

Reports to: Senior of the service/Team Leader

Hours of work: Up to 40 hours per week (Work includes irregular hours e.g. daytime, evenings, weekends, split shifts. And will require regular waking night duty to meet the needs of our clients)

Salary: £10.69 – £11.61

As well as working every day in a fulfilling career, we also offer –

Comprehensive training aligned to NISCC

Free meals while on shift (all frontline staff)

Support to gain market-leading qualifications

Mentoring and on the job training from our experienced team members

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking on all of our sites

Refer-a-friend bonuses

Employer funded Healthcare scheme (which includes savings on high street retail outlets and gym membership)

Annual Leave:  20 days per annum (plus an additional 3 days following 5 years’ service)

8 Bank Holidays per year

Job Purpose: To support Mainstay in delivering their vison for any individual with a profound and multiple learning disability to lead a happy, healthy, fulfilled life of independence within their local community. All whilst being given choice and support, enabling them to live their best life possible. As a PA you will ensure everyone is provided with choices and support to lead a happy, healthy independent life to the best of their abilities within their community.

Main tasks and responsibilities are:

Support ALL clients to live THEIR best lives!

Your overall responsibility will be to support the client not do for them, all clients will need different levels of support but your role is not to step in to do but to see how much they can do with support. Your role will involve being a client’s key worker, supporting them to set outcomes and goals for themselves and supporting them to achieve them. Below are some examples of tasks you may be asked to complete each day, however each and every one of our clients are individual and have a different level of support required so all their care and support plans will let you know what they need.

• Help with personal care, such as washing and dressing (although not all PA roles involve personal care)

• Support clients to manage their money and take responsibility for ensuring all finance related policies and procedures are adhered to.

• Support with the administration of medication

• Support clients to access community, social and leisure activities

• Help with household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry

• Helping/supporting preparing shopping list and preparing meals

• Support clients with their communication to help them overcome social exclusion

• Helping individuals to get to work, college or day care

• Assist clients to maintain relationships with family and friends

• Support clients to meet new people and develop new friendships

• To get about in the community, by providing transport, driving their car or using public transport

• To maintain hobbies and interests, like going to the cinema, gigs, swimming or going on holiday

• To support clients communicate their wants and needs

• To support clients become healthier after a physical illness, for example, through a better diet or more exercise.

Skills you will need

You will need to be able to develop a strong and trusting relationship with the person you are supporting and enjoy helping them to live life the way they choose. Your role is not to make decisions for them, but to help them live an independent life. A PA needs to be –

• Highly motivated, and committed to delivering service excellence

• Commitment to personal and professional development

• Can develop an approach to practice based on critical thinking, reflection and feedback

• Have the capacity and self-confidence to innovate

• Non-judgemental, with ability to empathise with clients

• Honest, trustworthy and respectful

• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Flexible, energetic, positive and calming disposition

• Resilient and self-caring

What we need from you

• Remember you are a professional Social Care worker and have signed up to the NISCC code of Standards and Practice

• To be punctual and demonstrate a strong teamwork ethic

• That you act in a professional way at all times

• Dedicate your time at work to supporting our clients

• Support your shift leader, team leader, senior and Managers to deliver a first class service for our clients and service users

• Partake in training to ensure personal and professional development and maintain the required level of training compliance

• Follow all Heath and Safety guidelines

• Take responsibility for your work

• Share your skills and knowledge to support the organisations ongoing development

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with or offering support a vulnerable client group

• Experience of providing personal care for vulnerable adults

• Ability to work under pressure • Excellent IT and report writing skills

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation

• Knowledge of social care and NISCC standards

Desirable Criteria

• NVQ Level 2 in Care or Equivalent qualifications (or willingness to work towards), or suitable experience

• NVQ level 3 in Care or Equivalent qualifications

• Experience of working in a supported living/residential/care organisation

• Experience of working with people who have a learning disability and/or autism

• Experience of administration of medication

• Full and Valid UK Driving License (or access to suitable transport to allow you to for fill the duties of the role)

NOTE This position is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Copies of the relevant policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders as well as the Access NI Code of Practice are available on request. Please note that having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position with Mainstay.