Job Description

Personal Assistant – Dementia: About the Post

Pathways 4 Life is seeking a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and proactive individual to support the delivery of this successful service that began in October 2015.  We are looking for an individual to join the existing 5 staff to deliver this valuable service.

The post will support memory assessment services in providing practical interventions to people from the time of diagnosis of dementia for a maximum period of 12 weeks.

The post will work alongside existing services in the dementia pathway to support people from diagnosis until they are signposted to other forms of support.  The role is to assist people with the more practical aspects of adjusting to a long-term, life-limiting condition to enable people to prepare themselves for what the future will bring.

Every support worker works to person-centred principles, recognising that each service user – and their carer - is different.

The successful candidate must work to the principle that service provision is “needs-led” and not “provider-led”, focusing on the person with dementia, their carer and family’s individual overall needs, requirements and preferences.

Contract: Fixed term until 31st August 2018 (with a possible further 2 yr extension)

Hours: 36 per week

Salary: £18,250 p/a  

Additional Benefits: Access to free relevant training, mileage allowance where relevant, plus a Pension Contribution

Key Duties:

• Provide information to service users, carers and other colleagues to improve knowledge of dementia
• Offer information agreed with clinicians from memory assessment services which should include that suggested in NICE guidance
• Encourage the use of “This is Me” or equivalent and life story work
• Encourage use of memory aids and assistive technology to reduce risk and promote independence
• Encourage to maximise social capital
• Encourage and support to apply for benefits such as Attendance Allowance
• Emphasise the importance of good nutrition, hydration and exercise
• Encourage people to visit their GP where long term conditions are not being managed effectively
• Encourage people to plan for the future whilst they still have capacity e.g. wills, advanced decisions etc.

Essential Qualities

• A minimum of two years experience of  working with people with dementia
• QCF (or equivalent) level 2 in Care and willingness to work towards Level 3
• Developed IT skills and ability to use standard and bespoke office IT software packages
• Understanding of Adult Safeguarding Issues
• Understanding and commitment of working with a person-centred approach
• Ability to manage own workload, and complete tasks to a high standard within set timescales
• Flexible working attitude
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle for work purposes

Closing date for applications is the 18th November

Interviews will be conducted on Thursday 23rd November

Before the appointment is confirmed, the successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level and references will be sought from two previous employers.

About the Partners

The Accord Group comprises seven organisations providing 13,000 affordable homes and services, including health and social care to 80,000 people in the Midlands and beyond.  It is a not-for-profit organisation and one of the largest housing groups in the region.

Age UK Walsall is an independent charity that aims to improve the quality of life for older people across the borough.  We offer a range of services that help older adults live independent and fulfilled lives. 

PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY IS BEING ADVERTISED ON BEHALF OF ACCORD.  THE SUCCESSUL CANDIDATE WILL BE AN ACCORD EMPLOYEE

Both organisations are equal opportunities employers, valuing diversity