Job Description

• Suffolk Independent Living
• Address: Lowestoft, Suffolk, possibility of moving to Beccles soon
• Salary: £14.10 per hour
• Hours: 15 hours per week, Split between 2 people, either 7.5 hours each week or 15 hours on alternative weeks, flexibility required, work pattern arranged monthly, Monday to Friday (including school holidays)
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0768

In your role as a Personal Assistant, you will support a mum with daily, practical tasks that she finds difficult so that she can continue in her role as a parent. You will assist with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, washing up and shopping, while respecting her independence and ability to run her household.

About the role

You will be supporting a 51-year-old mum of three children who has hidden disabilities and multiple health conditions, including incurable cancer, arthritis and liver disease. These conditions result in constant pain, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to infection.

You will be working with someone who has had a professional career supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. She maintains a strong sense of independence, enjoys music, art, food, cinema, swimming, dogs and travelling, and has a good sense of humour.

You will support both in the home and when out, helping maintain her role as a mum. You will need to be physically fit, have a positive attitude and bring energy to a lively household.

You will be required to drive and support with shopping and appointments. The role is currently based in Lowestoft but may move to Beccles within the next year. You will need to be flexible, as hours will be planned monthly around medical appointments, and you will be expected to undertake training as needs change over time.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will:

• Carry out cleaning, hoovering, washing, washing up, lifting and bending, and carrying items up and down stairs.
• Change beds.
• Support with general shopping trips and food shopping (including driving or shopping independently when required).
• Help prepare for a potential house move.
• Be flexible with hours to support possible days out, holidays, and activities such as festivals, concerts, museums and swimming, including assisting with mobility and carrying items.
• Provide support for hospital visits where driving or walking may not be possible after treatment.
• Support with meal preparation during periods of ill health or infection, with awareness of severe allergies within the household.
• Be responsible to your employer.

Personal Specification

You will:

• Be able to demonstrate experience in a similar role supporting someone with health needs.
• Have good spoken English and understanding.
• Have SEN knowledge and experience.
• Be able to drive and support with shopping.
• Be a confident swimmer.
• Be physically fit and able to bend, lift and carry.
• Be willing to learn and adapt as needs change.
• Provide consistent, reliable support to the family over time.
• Be comfortable supporting someone through progressive illness, including later stages of life.
• Have a positive attitude, sense of humour, and a kind, compassionate and warm personality.
• Maintain professional conduct and appropriate dress.
• Respect strict privacy rules (no phone use around children, and no photos permitted).

Essential Criteria

• You can build a strong, trusting relationship and provide future support, including personal care if required.
• Open to any qualification level.
• Good communication skills.
• Willingness to undertake training (e.g. manual handling).
• Competent swimmer.
• Experience in a similar role, with examples of supporting someone with poor health.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Although the description of this role is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.

Desirable Criteria

Understanding, experience or training relating to disabilities

terms and conditions

• Annual leave: 5.6 weeks (pro rata).
• Expenses: Reimbursed if agreed in advance.
• Sick pay: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) may apply.
• Pension: NEST pension scheme

The post is subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check with barred list.
• References (two required, one from current or most recent employer where possible).
• 6-month probation period.

How to apply

For more information, please feel free to either email suffolk@silmail.org or call 01473 603876

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application form on our Suffolk Independent Living career website and ensure you quote the reference 5265

Please note, you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role. Sponsorship is not available.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 5 June 2026.