Personal Assistant 5265
| Posting date: | 22 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £14.10 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 21 June 2026 |
| Location: | Lowestoft, Suffolk |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Suffolk Independent Living |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 5265 |
Summary
Job description
Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.
Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.
Job purpose
To support me with daily, practical tasks that I find hard so that I can continue my role as a mum. I can no longer manage the practical tasks like cleaning, laundry, washing up and shopping but need someone that will respect my ability to run my household without encroaching on my role as a parent.
About me
I am a 51-year-old mum of 3 children with hidden disabilities. I have multiple health conditions including incurable cancer, arthritis and liver disease. This has left me with a shortened life expectancy and suffering from constant pain and fatigue. I am at higher risk of infection, can be ill for longer and take longer to recover from things like colds. than most people. I have studied and had a professional career, supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. I love music, art food, cinema, swimming, dogs and love travelling. I have a good sense of humour and am fiercely independent. I like to drive and cook but struggle to carry anything heavy or stand for long periods so would need support I the areas of life that I enjoy as a mum.
I am looking for a PA to support me with daily living tasks to maintain my home & support me in my role as a mum. I need someone with a kind, caring nature, good communication skills as well as previous experience of a similar role. You will need to be able to drive. I am currently based in Lowestoft but hope to relocate to Beccles in the next year. You will need to be able to take on training as my health deteriorates & be flexible with hours planned each month in advance due to extensive medical appointments. I am looking for someone who will support me within the home and when out, be physically fit with a good attitude and zest for life. We are a lively household so lots of energy needed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
· Cleaning, hoovering, help with washing, washing up, lifting, bending to pick up things. Also carry things up and down the stairs.
· Changing the beds
· Help with general shopping trips and food shopping (I require someone who can drive to support or do this for me when I am not able to)
· Help prepare for potentially moving house
· Be flexible to add more/ change hours for possible days out, possible holidays in the future when my mobility declines. This may include family days out/ festivals/ concerts/ museums, helping me to swim, supporting where I cannot walk or carry bags & need to take a PA with me, longer days where I will be tired and need support.
· Support trips to hospital where I may not be able to drive/ walk after treatment.
· In the event of a decline of health or infection, help with making meals. I have a child with severe allergies, so a high level of awareness of this is needed.
· You will be responsible to me as your employer.
Essential Criteria
· Someone we can build a relationship and feel comfortable around who will be able to support me with personal care further down the line.
· Open to any qualification level
· Good Communication skills
· Future training, including manual handling to adapt to my changing care needs.
· A competent swimmer
· Experience in a similar role. Able to give examples of supporting someone with poor health and the impact that this had on that person.
· Maintain confidentiality
· Must have a valid driving license
Desirable Criteria
· Good understanding/ experience of/ training around disabilities would be an advantage.
Summary terms and conditions
· Hours, days and times of work: 15 hours (split between 2 people- either both people working each week or a ‘one week on, one week off’ split rota. Some flexibility around shifts is required due to appointments etc - to be arranged each month as we go. More hours potentially some weeks and less the next depending on circumstances.
· Monday- Friday every week (including school holidays)
· Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
· Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
· Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
· Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
The post is subject to the following
· Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
o If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed (this cannot be a family member).
· Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.