Job Title: Personal AssistantContract: Part time, 12 months (subject to funding)Employer: The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation CLGLocation: 'The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, The Glebe, Donegal TownSalary: €15,795Hours: 18 hours 45 minutes per week (morning or afternoon shifts)Schedule: Monday to Friday with occasional Weekend availabilityAbout 'The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation'The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation CLG is a voluntary organisation, Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation has as its core aim to "Enhance the Lives of People with Additional Needs".At the Bluestack Foundation we work with families who have dependants with physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychological disabilities, regardless of whether the disability results in profound, moderate or mild additional needs. We also work with families who are pre-diagnosis but engaged in the assessment of needs process.The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation invites applications for two Personal Assistant Family Respite Workers. This post involves working in alternating shifts directly with one young adult who will be attending the Bluestack Activities on occasion, in particular the Training and Progression Programme, and will require home based support as well. The core purpose of the post is to provide the following:Educational and learning opportunitiesSocial Engagement in their local communityIndependence skillsSupport with home based therapeutic guidance, to include Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.The post is initially for 3 months and is subject to funding being continued. It is a part time post/ 4 hours on Saturday morning except for BH weekends.JOB DESCRIPTION:The purpose of the job is to provide assistance required by a young woman in many aspects of daily living including community connections, creative activities, personal development, enhancement of independent living at home and in the community.Client requirementsMy personal assistant will assist me to live my life the way I choose. Getting the right assistance supports me to have a good life and grow in independence. A PA enables me to do this by listening to what I need/want. It is important that my PA has excellent communication skills, patience and empathy. Open communication is critical. My PA will be guided by me and my family.The job involves assisting me with a variety of tasks at home and in the community. Like most people, my day can vary so supporting me to plan is an important part of the role.· My daily routine involves a minimum of 30 minutes exercise to develop my core strength. I love going to the gym and for swimming.· My PA will work with me to fulfil my vision for a good life and independent living, with the aid of my personal Support Plan. Assist me with making choices, informed decisions and plans. I will also be supported to develop my own abilities to take on tasks.· Personal hygiene is very important for me and my personal assistant will support me in keeping my room tidy, and other day to day tasks, like picking out my own clothes, cleaning up after cooking in the kitchen, teach me how to empty my bag and clean my lunch box. These incudes supporting, encouraging, prompting, supervising, demonstrating and doing-with me, depending on the task and my needs.· I love traveling with my family and it would be lovely if my personal assistant could accompany me on these journeys every now and then, as staying in hotels and going on holidays is a real treat for me.Characteristics and skills requiredo Facilitate a person centred and family focused service to a young adult with Physical, Sensory and Intellectual Disability.o To work in the family home in Donegal Town and in the local community.o To work with the client and their family to identify appropriate community engagement opportunities and facilitate participation in same.o Work where appropriate with representatives of the HSE multidisciplinary team and take direction from sameo To plan, develop, implement, monitor and review appropriate recreational programmes within the community ensuring best practice regarding the improving of the young adult's quality of life, pursuit of new experiences and the promotion of independence.o Assist in independence and life skills support to include, daily hygiene routine, daily meal preparation and feeding, intimate care, dressing and home-based supports.o Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of clients at all times while supporting their care, welfare and leisure needs.PERSON SPECIFICATIONo A love of working with children and young adults with complex needs, to help them enjoy their lived experience and reach their potential.o Knowledge of principles of Family Support with experience of working with families in-home or in community settings is essential.o Particular knowledge or experience of working with young people who are non-verbal, have complex care needs, intimate care needs and epilepsy will be a distinct advantageo Be creative in developing person centred and individually tailored activities and programmeso Capable of developing strong, respectful and positive relationships with the clients and their families.o Fluent in written and spoken Englisho Health and Social Care qualification or equivalent.o Full Clean Drivers Licence and own insurance with business class for collecting, dropping and travelling with the young adult is essential.o Child Protection and Adult Safeguardingo Good report writing skillsADDITIONAL DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTSo Full QQI Level 7 or higher in relevant disciplineo LAMH SIGN LANGUAGE FAMILIARITYo First Aid Certificateo Epilepsy TrainingIt is imperative that you have excellent communication skills, be adaptable, friendly, approachable, flexible, and have a true passion for your role and the difference that you can make in the life of the young adult and the family that you will be working with.Candidates for this post will be Garda Vetted.One month trial and 6 months probationary period as standard.Please send applications consisting of CV and Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the position to CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 5PM 16th November 2025Job Type: Part-timePay: €15,795.00 per yearExpected hours: 18.45 per weekWork Location: In person