Personal Care Assistant – Ideal for Students

Charles Williams, a dedicated University academic, is seeking compassionate and reliable individuals to provide personal and social support as he continues to pursue a full and vibrant life. As part of the support team, you will assist him with daily activities, helping maintain his professional and personal independence. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact, supporting Charles in both his academic career and personal endeavors.

About the Employer

I am a 42-year-old male, working full-time as a University senior academic. I am a Climate Scientist, and since gaining my PhD I have spent the last 20 years researching and teaching climate change. I regularly teach to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and lecture internationally. I also run my own private tuition service, where I teach a range of subjects including climate science, environmental science and geography. Outside of work, my hobbies include cooking, gardening, meditation and spending time in nature. I like to think I am relaxed, patient, friendly and easy-going, and as one of my “people” (I do not like the word “carer” or “PA”) you will get to know me fairly well, I hope.

Position: Personal Care Assistant

Salary: £18.07 an hour

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Reading, UK

About the Role

People needed to provide personal and social support to a disabled man who is pursuing a full and active life as a University academic.

Absolutely perfect for University students wanting part-time or full-time work – get paid and do in your studies at the same time!

The work includes weekdays, weeknights, weekends and bank holidays (all paid at the same rate): £18.07 per hour, regardless of when that hour is (day or night).

Main Duties

The work will involve providing all aspects of everyday life, including (but not limited to):

  • Personal care to the employer such as helping with toilet, washing, lifting and moving, manual handling, feeding, etc
  • Domestic care to the employer search as cleaning, hoovering, doing the laundry, cooking, washing up etc
  • Social support to the employer such as accompanying the employer when out e.g. shopping, seeing friends
  • Overnight care to the employer as and when needed via a baby monitor

Note:

This is not classed as a “waking night”, i.e. you do not need to stay awake all night. A comfortable bed will be provided, with fresh bedding, in your own private room. You will be disturbed on average 2-3 times per night, but the rest of the time you will be able, and encouraged, to sleep (paid at the same hourly rate). This is one example of how this differs from other care work, which often requires you to stay awake all night in a chair.

In other words, the work will involve providing support in all aspects of life, under the precise instructions of the employer – in short, candidates will be a pair of hands for the employer, NOT looking after him as with most other care jobs.

The work times will vary and so flexibility is required. The work will involve working full evenings/nights, and/or full days, and/or shorter shifts (e.g. mornings, afternoons) on a rolling rota system.

Typically (but not always) full days would begin at either 8, 9 or 10 AM (depending on other commitments) and end at either 5 or 6 PM; likewise full evenings/nights would begin at either 5 or 6 PM (depending on other commitments) and go through until the following morning at either 8, 9 or 10 AM.

For University students: this is an all-year-round position, both term-time AND vacation. 5.6 weeks holiday a year is offered as standard to everybody, but not all of every University vacation.

Finally, if we get along well, there might be the opportunity to come away with the employer on holiday, either in the UK or abroad. This has the added bonus that as well as being all-expenses-paid for you, you will also get your usual hourly rate and will therefore earn a lot. With previous successful people the employer has travelled across most of Europe, most of North America, South America, West Africa, India and Australia.

Qualifications

  • Applicants MUST be fluent in English, but previous experience in care work is not required.

Required Documents

  1. CV/Resume
  2. Cover Letter

Application Process

If interested, candidates in the first instance should reply to this message to get an application form (which they we will be emailed). The application form needs to be completed and returned before anything can proceed. The application form is very simple and should only take 5-10 minutes to complete – candidates should not feel like they need to spend ages writing the perfect answer, but just complete the form in full and return.

Shortlisted candidates (based on the application form) will be invited to a preliminary interview, which in the first instance will be conducted virtually over Skype, Zoom or similar.

The job will suit an enthusiastic, interested and helpful person, and is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students (there will be opportunities to do your studies whilst at work). Applicants MUST be fluent in English, but previous experience in care work is not required.

Note: On that last point… This is not like any other ‘care’ job. It cannot be compared to working in a care home or any other similar institution. The person(s) selected will not be ‘caring’ or ‘looking after’ the man, but rather being a pair of hands for him and carrying out his precise instructions. Therefore, whilst experience in care work MAY be beneficial, it can also be a hindrance – applicants, if they have previous experience, should come with a completely open mind.

Interested and qualified candidates should kindly CLICK HERE to learn more and apply

Application Deadline

Open until filled