Children's Personal Assistant / Support Worker

Overview

Personal Assistant Required:

Summary

I am looking for outdoor-loving, creative and fun individuals who have a passion for supporting a child through play, promoting positive behaviour and adapting support to changing needs.

About the role

My son is 8 years old and has a learning disability, requiring support with day-to-day tasks. He is a friendly, smiley little boy, always on the go. He loves spending time outdoors, especially exploring woods and visiting the seaside, where he is at his happiest.

He enjoys playing with leaves, soil, and sand, and has a sensory need for activities like walking on grass barefoot. Outdoor play not only brings him joy but also helps him regulate his emotions, enhances his focus, and aids his learning.

He is also fond of swimming and enjoys food, not just for hunger but for sensory experiences.

It is essential for him to be engaged in outdoor activities as much as possible, with various sensory experiences available. He has a short attention span, so having multiple activities ready is crucial.

Part of the Personal Assistant role will be to introduce him to new activities and help expand his interests.

My son is non-verbal and deaf (he has a cochlear implant). He can struggle to express himself, which may lead to frustration and emotional outbursts. I am looking for Personal Assistants who understand my son and can adapt their support to meet his needs, helping to reduce frustration and assisting him in managing and understanding his emotions.

He can also be impulsive, so all support will be on a 2:1 basis. It's important that the assistant is assertive and capable of anticipating his actions.

The kind of person I am looking for:

• You must be able to work in a person-centred way, helping my son to develop and achieve assessed goals as he grows.
• Have an encouraging and nurturing approach.
• Experience with Makaton / PECS symbols is an advantage.
• Essential experience in supporting a child with a disability.
• As support is 2:1, teamwork skills are necessary.
• An up-to-date DBS (child enhanced preferred) is required. You will need to complete an enhanced check before starting employment.

What you can expect from me:

• A friendly and welcoming workplace where you will feel valued.
• Access to training and learning opportunities.
• The chance to make a positive difference in my son’s life.
• 5.6 weeks annual leave (pro-rata).
• A good rate of pay.

Days and Times required:

• Weekend support.
• Hours may be more flexible during school holidays.
• 4 hours per week.

Necessary Training:

• PA Induction certificate, part of the induction into the role.
• Positive Behaviour Support.

Hourly Rate: £15.40 per hour