Purple Match

Support Worker / Personal Assistant (PA) — Team Mighty M
Job ref.
PUR-078-793
About me
I am M, an amazing 18-year-old wheelchair user living in
Benfleet. I have complex learning, physical and medical needs
caused by an extremely rare genetic condition. I am completely
non-verbal and currently use PECS successfully for transitions
and “I want” sentences, alongside gestures and vocal sounds. My
world can sometimes feel quite small, so I am looking for a kind,
patient and positive PA who can help me feel safe, confident and
happy while encouraging me to explore my environment, enjoy
new experiences and build my independence at my own pace.
Hours and
rate of pay
Start date: August 2026. Rate of pay: £15.75 per hour. Term-time
hours include 2 mornings per week, 7.00am–9.00am, to support
getting ready for school; 1 evening per week, 2.00pm–8.00pm,
with the start time open to discussion; and 1 x 12-hour weekend
shift per week, with shift days and times open to discussion.
During school holidays, there are 3 x 12-hour shifts available,
including covering existing team members’ holidays and some
shifts working alongside another team member. Holiday pay is
included.
Location
Benfleet. Some shifts may include accompanying me and my mum
to hospital appointments in London.
DBS/
Checks
A DBS check, Right to Work check and references will be
required.
What you
would be
doing…
You would support me in my family home and out in the
community, helping me build independence while making sure my
complex and sometimes intense medical needs are met safely and
with care. You would assist with all personal care and support
needs in a calm, respectful and reassuring way, including adult
led toilet training on a strict timetable. I currently wear pads, but
I am working hard and having good success using the toilet when
supported. You would also support me with meals, snacks, fluids,
tube feeds and medications, following my routines and guidance
closely. I have a mic-key button feeding tube for all fluid intake, 3
formula tube feeds a day and numerous hourly medications. I
need spoon feeding for all main meals and consistent, gentle
prompting throughout snack times.
Activities I
enjoy
I enjoy my iPad at home and, with the right support and
encouragement, I love lots of fun and sensory activities. These
include tickles, massage, tactile play, cuddles, holding hands, foot
rubs, my garden swing going as high as your nerves allow, hydro
sessions, miniature railways, watching my favourite film,
supermarket trips, escalators and lifts. No two shifts are the same
with M, but there are always plenty of opportunities for smiles,
fun and special moments.
Medical
information
I have a number of diagnoses, including epilepsy, currently
controlled by medication with occasional short absence
breakthrough seizures; cyclical vomiting syndrome, controlled
with daily medication; cardiomyopathy, medicine controlled and
strictly monitored; significant reflux; gut motility difficulties;
autonomic dysfunction; and severe autism. At times, I can have
some challenging tactile behaviours, so I need someone who can
stay calm, patient and understanding, helping me move on and
settle with kindness, confidence and care.
The person
I would
like…
I would love to find someone with a good sense of humour who is
calm, enthusiastic, patient, positive-natured and full of smiles.
Experience is helpful, but what matters most is that you are
reliable, kind, confident following routines, willing to learn and
able to support me with dignity, warmth and respect. If you enjoy
making a real difference and being part of a close, caring team,
this could be a lovely role for you.
Applicants must be non-smokers, have a full clean driving licence
and be happy to work in a home with a Labrador.
Please send your CV, two references and a short covering letter explaining your
suitability for the role.
* Sponsorship is not available for this role *
* No agencies please*