Personal Assistant (PA) jobs

North Somerset Council are working in partnership with UKCIL to deliver a personal assistant register and jobs page. 

You can see a list of of current vacancies, where you can apply easily online for any roles that you may be interested in.

Personal assistants provide a valuable role in social care. A personal assistant or PA support people to live independently and to lead the life they choose. 

As a Personal Assistant, you are not employed by a care agency or the local authority. You are either employed by the person you will be caring for or you are self-employed.

Being a PA gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to someone’s life. Often this is for someone in your local community. 

The role of a personal assistant is a varied one and can range from supporting with personal care and household tasks to accompanying people in the community and with social activities. 

Roles are usually part time and are sometimes flexible so could be fitted in around your other responsibilities. PA roles are available to support adults and children.

Previous experience in care isn’t always necessary, it is just as important to have a positive attitude, be reliable, able to learn and be able to get along with the person employing you.

Rate of pay

The hourly direct payment rate for a PA from April 2023 is £14.50.

Who might employ a PA

PAs are a popular choice for those who receive direct payments from the council for their care. This may include people who have

• physical and learning disabilities
• mental health difficulties. 
• a child or young person and they need help with care and support needs

Most people employing a PA will look for someone they feel they can get along with, and who is reliable and trustworthy. An important skill to have as a PA is the ability to build a strong, trusting bond with the person you are caring for. 

If you feel you have this, and enjoy helping people, being a PA may be for you.

What it might include

The role of a personal assistant is a varied. It can range from:

• help with personal care and household tasks
• accompanying someone into the community for errands or appointments
• attending social activities
• providing support in their place of work

The role will depend on the needs of the individual employing you. It will be based on any aspects of their life they need support with.

There is a difference between being an employed PA and a self-employed PA. 

Employed PA: 

• you will be employed directly by the person
• the employer will set your hours and rate of pay and have a contract of employment with you
• the employer has the responsibilities of an employer such as ensuring you are paid correctly and that the relevant deductions for tax etc are made 
• you will be entitled to paid annual leave 
• you can opt into a pension scheme

Self-employed PA:

• source your own work which involves more than one client
• be your own boss
• have more freedom over the work you do   
• be able to set your own rates and be in control of the hours you work 
• be required to register with HMRC with responsibility to pay tax and NI contributions
• need adequate insurance 
• provide evidence of up-to-date DBS