Self-directed support (SDS)
Personal Assistants (PAs)
Becoming a Personal Assistant (PA)
Personal assistants help people in South Lanarkshire live independently at home and in their community. As a PA, you work directly for the person who needs support. You help them with everyday tasks so they can live the life they choose. PA roles are flexible, varied and shaped by the person you support.
What Personal Assistants do
Every PA job is different because everyone’s needs are different. You may support:
- disabled adults
- older people
- people with learning disabilities
- people with mental health conditions
- parents or carers of children
You might help with:
- personal care
- preparing meals
- social activities
- daily routines
- getting out and about
You cannot normally be employed by a close relative as their Personal Assistant, as there are rules about who can take on this role.
The two videos below show the value of the role of Personal Assistant.
Self-directed Support Joan's Story
Using SDS Option 1 to employ Personal Assistants
Skills and qualities you need
You do not need formal qualifications to be a PA. What matters most is:
- being kind, respectful and supportive
- good listening and communication
- understanding that people should have control over their own life
- being reliable and willing to learn
Your employer may offer training, and you can access other learning opportunities if you want to develop your skills.
Responsibilities of a PA
Most PA roles require membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which checks that people are suitable to work with children or protected adults.
Further information about PAs and the PVG scheme can be found on the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) SDS Handbook for PA's
Where to find PA jobs
PA roles in South Lanarkshire are advertised on behalf of private employers through GCIL South Lanarkshire.
You can also explore PA opportunities through Find a Job.
Support for Personal Assistants
If you become a PA, you’re not on your own. Helpful resources include:
- The PA Handbook – practical guidance on working as a PA
- Personal Assistants Network Scotland (PANS) – information on training, rights, wellbeing support and benefits like access to the Blue Light Card