Becoming a PA
Why become a personal assistant in Shropshire?
It can be a very rewarding career. You work closely with a person locally and help to make a difference to their life, supporting them to live their life in a way they choose.
What is a personal assistant (PA)?
Take a look at this video showing what it's like to be a PA...
A PA is usually employed directly by a person (or a family member) who needs support to enable them to live their life as well and as independently as possible.
Tasks may include:
- Supporting them to learn new skills or tasks to aid independence
- Helping someone get around and live an active life (work, learning, leisure, etc)
- Helping them to meet family and friends
- Personal care, such as washing, dressing and using the toilet
- Shopping for and preparing meals
- Help with medication
- Driving
- Supporting them with their mental health
- Supporting family carers when they need a break
As a PA you're likely to be involved in many aspects of your employer’s life in the home, at leisure or at work. The opportunity to focus directly on the needs of an individual and the diversity of the role is what attracts many people to this type of work.
As a PA, you can work flexibly around your other commitments. This means that you can specify hours that you're available, and that work for you. You can also work for more than one person if you wish.
Skills
It's not just your experience that may be important, it's about your values and the type of person you are. An employer may want to match interests that you have to their own.
- Ability to listen, willingness to learn
- Sensitivity and understanding
- The ability to communicate and work well with others
- Reliability and ability to adapt
- Empathy, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail
- An understanding that you are an employee not a friend; your employer directs the work
Wages
As an employed PA, your potential wage could be £11.75 an hour. This is paid from your employer, who may get something called a direct payment. This is money we provide following an assessment to enable someone to buy their own support.
Self-employed PAs set their own rates. Shropshire Council agrees a standard rate of £16 an hour for self-employed PA support, so any other rates must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Self-employed PAs don't qualify for annual leave or statutory pay, and are liable for their own tax and insurance.
Other employers may pay you privately or have money awarded from Shropshire CCG (health).
Shropshire PA noticeboard website
You can advertise your availability to work as a PA for free in the caring sector on our local Shropshire PA noticeboard. You need to register, agree terms and condition and add your profile. You can manage the information that is displayed on your profile: the days and times of your availability within the week, the local areas you wish to work in, the training you have, your interests and the specialist areas that interest you.