Location: Tranent, East Lothian and Heriot Watt, Edinburgh.
Working pattern: Full-time during term-time only.
Likely hours: 40–50 hours per week (timetable dependent)
Salary: £28,392–£35,490 pro rata depending on experience.
About the role
I am an 18-year-old university student with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3, also known as Brittle Bone Disease. I am looking for a Support Worker / Personal Assistant to help me prepare for the day, access university safely and take part in campus life.
Support will be provided at home and on campus. The role also includes driving my Motability vehicle.
This is a term-time post, with a likely requirement of 40–50 hours per week depending on my class timetable and social activities. There may also be an option to work some hours during university holidays.
Role purpose
You will provide safe, reliable and respectful support that enables me to:
- prepare for the day;
- travel to and from Herriot Watt from Tranent;
- move around campus;
- manage personal care;
- attend classes; and
- participate in university activities, clubs and events.
Your support should help me maintain as much independence as possible.
Key responsibilities
- Help me get ready for the day at home.
- Support me in accessing classes and moving around campus.
- Provide limited in-class support when required; you will not normally need to remain with me throughout classes.
- Provide support with personal care.
- Support me to attend university activities, clubs and events as required.
- Learn and follow safe moving-and-handling practices.
- Drive my Motability vehicle safely and appropriately.
- Carry out agreed duties confidently, safely and reliably.
- Communicate appropriately about availability and any issues affecting support.
Essential skills and requirements
You must:
- hold a full clean driving licence for a manual car;
- be a member of the PVG Scheme or be willing to join;
- be willing to learn how to support me safely;
- be willing to complete training in moving and handling and other relevant duties;
- be reliable and confident in carrying out agreed responsibilities; and
- be available for the term-time hours required around my class timetable.
Previous care experience is not essential. Full training will be provided.
Desirable skills and experience
It would be helpful if you have:
- experience of driving a wheelchair-accessible vehicle;
- relevant experience from paid work, volunteering, education or personal responsibilities; or
- interests in music, Formula 1, computer games or collectible card games.
Shared interests may help us build a positive working relationship, but they are not stated as essential requirements.
Training
Full training will be provided, including learning how to support me safely and the moving-and-handling requirements of the role.
What the role offers
- A role supporting a young person to access university life and maintain independence.
- Varied work across home and campus settings.
- A chance to take part in university life and enjoy social activities together.
- Full training.
- The possibility of additional hours during university holidays.
- You’ll have free time whilst I’m in class, though you must stay on hand to help when needed.
How to apply
Please apply as soon as possible by sending your CV and covering letter to pajobs@lothiancil.org.uk and remember to quote reference ET RE EL. The cover letter should explain why you want the job, your availability, confirmation of full driving licence and experience.