Personal Assistant Required
Ref: DP/OW11
The Independent Living Team is supporting an individual employer to recruit a Personal Assistant (PA) to provide support to an 11-year-old boy with ASD and ADHD in the Great Sankey area of Warrington.
Hours of Work
4 hours per week
Hours are flexible and will mainly be during weekdays and Saturdays. There may be some variation between term time and school holidays, with working arrangements agreed with the successful candidate.
Rate of Pay
£13.45 per hour
Location
Great Sankey, Warrington
About the Role
We are looking for a calm, patient, reliable and supportive Personal Assistant to help an 11-year-old non-verbal child with ASD and ADHD access the community, take part in activities and enjoy greater independence in a safe and supported way.
He enjoys being out in the community and exploring the world at his own pace. Activities may include:
Swimming
Bowling
Trips to local parks
Shopping and visits to supermarkets
Attending local activities and events
Occasional school pick-ups and drop-offs
The child is non-verbal and can experience moments of frustration or overwhelm. He also has limited awareness of danger and may suddenly run away or leave a safe area, so the successful PA will need to be highly vigilant and able to respond quickly and appropriately to keep him safe.
Previous experience of supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), autism, ADHD and/or non-verbal communication would be highly desirable.
Main Duties
Duties may include:
Supporting the child to access the community and participate in local activities and events
Encouraging independence while maintaining his safety and wellbeing
Providing calm and reassuring support during periods of frustration or overwhelm
Supporting his individual communication needs
Accompanying him to activities such as swimming, bowling, shopping and park visits
Providing transport, including occasional school pick-ups and drop-offs
Supporting with personal care and hygiene when required, including toileting and changing associated with swimming activities
Maintaining a high level of awareness and supervision when in the community due to his limited awareness of danger
The child’s needs may vary from day to day, so flexibility and a willingness to undertake other reasonable duties related to the role are important.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who is:
Calm, patient and understanding
Reliable, responsible and safety-conscious
Comfortable supporting a non-verbal child
Able to respond appropriately to behaviours associated with frustration or overwhelm
Physically able to respond quickly and safely if the child attempts to run away or leave a safe environment
Able to build a positive and trusting relationship with the child and his family
Flexible in their approach to support
Essential Requirements
Full driving licence
Access to your own vehicle for use as part of the role
Appropriate business-use motor insurance
Ability to support a child who communicates non-verbally
Desirable
Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND
Experience of supporting someone with ASD and/or ADHD
Experience or understanding of non-verbal communication
Experience supporting individuals with limited danger awareness or behaviours that may present a safety risk
Additional Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required and will be arranged free of charge
A probationary period will apply
How to Apply
Please email your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience to:
iltrecruitment@disabilitypartnership.org.uk
Please remember to quote Ref: DP/OW11 in your application.
Applications will be forwarded to the individual employer for consideration, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.
