Personal Assistant – IHYOR Needed in York

Location: Dringhouses, York

Hours: 40 hours per week

• Tuesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
• Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
• Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
• Additional 8 hours per week (to be worked flexibly with advance notice; may occasionally include evenings, overnight support, or weekends)

Rate: £13.45 per hour

Start Date: September

Applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to their own car.

I’m 17, female, and I live in York with my mum, younger brother and sister, our dog and my cat. I am hoping to find a PA who can offer the right support for my mental health needs, helping me gradually get back into life and grow my confidence and independence.

I am looking for someone who:

• Is able to take time to listen and form a connection with me, being able to be a reliable supportive person on days where I am doing well and on days that are more challenging for me.
• Has the willingness to understand how anorexia affects me. Is able to support me to complete my meal plan, including preparation of meals, gentle yet clear encouragement and involvement with managing my emotions.
• Is empathic and flexible, being able to pick up on changes in the way I am feeling and adjust the way they interact and how activities are offered depending on my mental health at the time.
• Can drive and has access to their own vehicle, who can accompany me in a discrete yet supportive manner in the community. Scaffolding participation but recognising times where I may not be able to join in fully.
• Can be proactive in suggesting activities and things to do. Ideally, has an interest in music and creative activities. Co-participation is part of the role, as this offers an approach which works best for me.
• Is able to support with medication management on a day-to-day basis.
• Can take me to and accompany me into appointments (where needed).
• Help by being my voice and/or helping me to communicate my thoughts and needs in situations where I feel overwhelmed.
• Work with me to build balanced routines, which help to develop my confidence and independence at a manageable pace. This may also include supporting with decision making (helping me to work through my thoughts).
• Helping with organisation and facilitating calm.
• Experience of autism or eating disorders is welcome but not essential. A willingness to learn is more important. Finding the right person who I feel safe and comfortable with is key. Full training in relevant areas will be provided.

 A little bit more about me:

• I love music (especially Billie Eilish!), going to gigs, discovering new artists and anything creative. I also enjoy art, crochet and reading.
• I’ve had a difficult few years with my mental health; I have an eating disorder, a diagnosis of autism and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which has meant I’ve spent time in hospital and away from education and everyday life.
• I enjoy socialising in certain situations and having shared experiences. I have a range of interests and am often willing to try new things. Sometimes I can lack confidence and overthink things/ question myself, which can hold me back from enjoying experiences.
• My mental health can fluctuate, some days I might want to get out or do something creative, but other days I may need quieter support at home.
• I am hoping to find a PA that can offer support which will help me get back into life, growing my confidence and independence.

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.