Job Ref: MMT1, Personal Assistant

A Personal Assistant (PA) is needed, starting as soon as possible, to provide personal care and support for an active and mobile 84 year old lady with dementia and aphasia. Mary has a lively personality and is still mobile. She enjoys music and meeting people but needs help with eating, dressing and toileting and for getting out of the house or go for walks and to attend a local Hydro pool.

We are looking for a person who has experience of caring, is friendly and outgoing and have a good sense of humour, as well as being reliable, trustworthy and punctual. The PA should be educated to secondary level; be able to communicate clearly; be able to work without close supervision; be a good organiser; have management skills; good interpersonal and negotiation skills; be a creative problem-solver, have advocacy skills and be aware of the need for risk management for the elderly.

In addition, the PA should have experience and understanding of person-centred work with dementia sufferers. They should be flexible, non-judgemental, be able to recognise work and personal boundaries, be a team worker who enjoys a challenge and be persistent in carrying out the allocated tasks and achieving the goals. They should also have had training in lifting and handling. It is essential that the postholder be a driver and have the use of a car. It would be advantageous if the postholder lived within easy traveling distance of Longniddry.

The post is part time up to 10 hours per week during the day and at weekends. Shifts to be negotiated. Additional hours may be available to cover staff absence and annual leave. The successful candidate will join a small staff team where additional ongoing training is provided - including topics such as Dementia and Lifting and Handling.
The rate of pay is £12.00 per hour.