Personal Assistant (MM) - ST5

Job description and person specification

Job Title: Personal Assistant (PA) (Female, Genuine Occupational Requirement).

Job Ref: JI/MM/01/26

Reporting to: Employer

Location: Newcastle under Lyme

Rate of Pay: £13.69 - £14.13 per hour

Nature of the job role: I am a blind woman looking for a female Personal Assistant to support me with day-to-day activities in the community. I am independent and active but require sighted guidance in certain environments.

This role does not involve hands-on personal care. However, due to the nature of the support (including shared use of changing facilities), this position is restricted to female applicants as a Genuine Occupational Requirement, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Main Duties

Sighted Guidance & Community Support. Acting as a sighted guide in public spaces.

Supporting me to attend activities such as swimming, gym sessions, shopping and other community outings.

Providing clear verbal and physical guidance to help with orientation and navigation.

Accompanying me into swimming pools to provide guidance to avoid obstacles and people.

No physical assistance with washing or dressing is required. PA to provide verbal descriptions where helpful (E.G. description of surroundings or items when shopping).

Personal duties

Support with swimming and assisting with orientation in changing rooms (e.g. locating cubicles, lockers, showers).

Domestic duties

Any other reasonable duties that may be necessary. I manage most cleaning independently but will ask for support to check the house and garden to ensure hygiene.

Social Duties

Happy to support me with additional activities such as gym, clothes or food shopping and other community activities.

Driving me to activities and appointments (mileage paid at 45p per mile).

Must be comfortable around dogs.

Other requirements

Sighted Guide, able to drive, support with swimming, female due to personal care.

Hours of work

4–7 hours per week, plus holiday and sickness cover.

One weekday evening (Mon–Thu), approx. 3 hours.

Some weekend availability (up to 4 hours, even if alternate weekends).

Skills & Experience

Female applicant (Genuine Occupational Requirement due to privacy and dignity needs).

Full UK driving licence.>

Use of own car with business insurance.

Confident communicator, able to give clear verbal directions.

Reliable, respectful, and comfortable supporting an active lifestyle.

To apply for this role please send a CV or letter outlining your suitability for the role to – please quote job reference in your application.

Alternatively if you would like to discuss the role please call option 1 and speak to a member of the Direct Payment Team.