Working with people with spinal chord injuries is highly satisfying and can be great fun. If you are unsure if you have the right skills and attitude to become an Origin Personal Assistant take a look at some of these frequently asked questions and some of the case studies on this website, which might help.

Q. I have no medical experience/training. Does that mean I'm unsuitable?

A. No. You will attend a specially designed training course that will provide you with more than enough information to be able to care for a client capably. As clients are all individuals each client will have some specific requirements but these will be adequately covered. Any nursing requirements that a client has will be taken care of by a medical professional.
The most important attribute to have is 'the right attitude' - with this, two good references and our training, you're ready to start work.

Q. What hours will I work?

A. Placements are live-in and usually 7-14 days long. Hours will vary according to the clients needs. In general, you will work an average of 8 – 10 hours a day and we recommend that you will be given some free time each day and 8 hours uninterrupted sleep each night. You will not normally have any days off during a placement as time off is arranged between placements. Many of our Personal Assistants take advantage of their time off for travelling around the UK.

Q. As all placements are live-in, will I have my own room/bathroom/facilities?

A. All placements are different but you will always be provided with your own private bedroom, you may share bathroom facilities when you are living in a family home.

Q. What happens if problems occur?

A. The role of a Personal Assistant is a complex one - part working guest, part family member and part friend - and understandably it can take a little time for clients and carers to adjust to one another. However, in the unlikely event of a problem occurring, there is an out-of-hours contact number should you need to contact us in an emergency.

Q. Is there permanent work available?

A. Placement times vary, from weeks to months and years sometimes, so yes permanent work can be availble.

'Origin Personal Assistants come from all different backgrounds and age groups'

Please complete the application form, which you can do here on the website...sometimes doing that can clear your thoughts a little...and then give us a call to talk things through. We will do our very best to answer any further questions you may still have.