Personal Assistant

• Suffolk Independent Living

• Address: Felixstowe, Suffolk

• Salary: £13.55 per hour

• Hours: Up to 13 hours available per week

• Contract: Permanent

• Reference: 0990

Job purpose

Suffolk Independent Living are looking for a friendly, reliable and compassionate Personal Assistant / Companion to support an individual both at home and out and about.

The purpose of the role is to promote independence, encourage trying new activities and support them to enjoy the things that are important.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys spending time with others, is positive and encouraging, and would like to make a genuine difference to someone’s day-to-day life.

About me

I live in Felixstowe and am looking for someone who can support me both at home and in the local community.

I enjoy a wide range of activities and hobbies, including:

• baking and cooking

• going to the cinema

• nature walks and exploring the outdoors

• exercise and swimming

• music

• art and creative activities

• visiting leisure facilities and shops

• trying new experiences and activities.

I live in a non-smoking household with no pets, so being a non-smoker is an essential requirement for this position.

Most importantly, I am looking for someone who is kind, patient, dependable and encouraging, and who genuinely enjoys helping others to get the most out of life.

If you are enthusiastic, enjoy a variety of activities and would like to provide meaningful support while helping me maintain my independence, I would love to hear from you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• supporting me at home and when going out and about

• accompanying me to leisure facilities, shops and recreational activities

• supporting me with activities I already enjoy

• encouraging and motivating me to try new things

• helping me build confidence and maintain my independence

• providing friendly companionship and positive encouragement

• supporting me to participate in activities within the local community.

Personal Specification

Please refer to these when submitting your application

Essential Criteria:

• hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle

• have a positive “can-do” attitude

• be empathetic, calm, patient and compassionate

• be organised and reliable

• have good, clear oral communication skills

• be physically fit and able to support an active lifestyle

• be a non-smoker

• be a confident and skilled motivator

• be comfortable working independently and without direct supervision.

Desirable Criteria:

• a good understanding of autism

• autism awareness or relevant training

• previous experience in a similar Personal Assistant or support role

• an interest in art and creative hobbies.

Summary terms and conditions:

• hours, days and times of work: Up to 13 hours per week, 3-4 days per week to be agreed with the employer

• annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement)

• expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role

• sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

• pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme, but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.

Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.

To find out more

For further information, please contact SIL on 01473 603876 or via email at: suffolk@silmail.org.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form via our website.

Please return all completed applications to SIL at: suffolk@silmail.org, quoting the job reference number 5347.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship is not available.

Closing date: 6 November 2026

The post is subject to the following:

• background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.

• If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post

• references: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed (this cannot be a family member)

• trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.