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Direct paymentsInformation for Personal Assistant's (PA's)Independent Living Team - June 2011independent.living@kirklees.gov.uk
A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone who is paid to assist a disabled person to be independent and to make their own choices about how they live their lives.
The person may have a physical disability, a learning disability or a mental health problem, or they could need assistance because of their age.
They provide tailored support to help people meet their personal and social needs, which could include bathing, meal preparation, using the toilet, shopping, and leisure activities. They may also be required to help to use certain types of equipment or to assist with things that are better done with the help of another person.
The amount of assistance needed depends on the person's disability and can vary from a few hours a week to full time support. As a PA you would support the person you work for to be in control of their own choices, not to make choices for them. An understanding and appreciation of empowerment and citizenship is very important in this role.
The person needing the support is the employer and should make sure you receive a contract of employment that states the terms and conditions of your employment.
This can include how many hours a week you will expected to work, what the rate of pay is, how much holiday you are entitled to and what you should do if you are unable to work due to sickness. You will receive an itemised pay slip and tax and national insurance contributions will be deducted if your earnings are above the threshold. If you receive any means tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Income Support you should tell them that you are working and how much you are being paid.
This will depend on the person you are working for and they may want to employ a PA with specific qualifications, or they may ask you to have some training to help you to support them safely.
For example, moving and handling training, a food hygiene course or a first aid course.
You are expected to complete a timesheet to record the hours you have worked. You should treat your employer with respect and carry out your duties in accordance with their wishes.
If you are not able to come to work you should let your employer know as soon as possible so they can make other arrangements for their support.
Being a PA is more than just a job. You will build up a relationship with the person you are working for which allows each of you to be flexible and responsive to each others needs, within a contractual arrangement.
If you are applying for a specific job you should fill in the application form and return it to the address shown.
If you would like your details to be held on record with the Independent Living team so we can send your application to people who may want to employ a PA in the future, or contact us on 01484 416760 and we will post an application out to you. For further information please contact: The Independent Living Team 4th Floor Civic centre 1 High Street Huddersfield HD1 2PQ Tel: 01484 416760 Email: independent.living@kirklees.gov.uk Application form (PDF 48KB) - to add your details to our database of PA's. We can then match your details to job vacancies as they arise. |