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Becoming a personal assistant (PA) means taking on a unique role where
you assist someone to live the life that they choose. PAs describe
what they do as amongst the most fulfilling work of their lives,
working for an individual to meet their goals.
PAs are employed by a wide variety of people including older people,
disabled people, people with mental health problems, people with
learning disabilities and parents or carers of children. All will have
been assessed as needing assistance to enable them to achieve life
outcomes.
There are no formal training requirements for entry and employed PAs
have the same rights, responsibilities and benefits of any other
employee. The relationship between employer and employee is valued
highly and often a PA brings their own experience to the role which
can be valued by the employer. It is such a varied role, distinct to
every employer, key skills tend to be around communication and
flexibility- it is rarely a job of routines.
You will need to share a belief that everyone is entitled to lead
their own independent life and that their voice and opinions must be
heard to that end.
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