Where and How to Locate an Assistant
Now that you have been approved for the Personal Assistance Services program, one of the most common questions is: “Where do I locate an assistant?”
Each Independent Living Center keeps a list of available assistants. These assistants are not employees of the center for independent living, but individuals who want to provide assistance to those with disabilities. Therefore, the list of assistants may or may not include specifically what you are looking for. It is your responsibility to hire the best assistant to meet your own personal needs.
You will also want to advertise for the type of personal assistant you are looking for. There are some places in the community that consumers find more useful for advertising. Placing ads in these areas should help you gain more interested and appropriate applicants for your position. Here are a few suggestions gathered from other consumers:
* Employment Security
* Chamber of Commerce
* College bulletin boards
* Churches
* Guidance counselors at high schools
* Junior colleges
* Vocational schools
* Senior centers (Yes, believe it! Many senior citizens are looking for work to supplement their income. Assistant work also provides meaning and activity for their lives.).
Once you have located some areas in which to advertise, you will need to create an ad that will attract potential assistants. The following pages will show you how to write an effective ad, including samples of effective and non-effective ads. Finding the perfect employee is a difficult process, but an effective and well-placed ad can assist you in locating an appropriate employee who is suitable to your specific needs.