Job Title: Personal Assistant / ‘Buddy’

Location: Haywards Heath

Hourly rate: £15-£20 per hour plus mileage expenses

Reference: VC7669

Hours/shifts: Approx 6 hours per week term-time & 10 hours per week during School Holidays as mutually agreed,

Summary:

Are you a caring, kind, energetic and reliable PA who would be a great motivator for our son and make a real difference to his life whilst giving us some much-needed respite?

We are looking for a flexible, self-motivated and empathic "Buddy" to support our 15-year-old with Autism, ADHD and associated complex needs to participate in activities both at home (play/sensory-led stimulation) and in the community.

He loves being outdoors so you should enjoy going for long walks and doing adventurous activities! He is a lively, fun young boy who is usually happy but who does dis-regulate at times and so you must be patient and understanding of his needs. He likes his “quiet time” too and you will be mindful of this.

Knowledge of/an understanding of Autism desirable, as is experience of working within a SEN setting, although training will be provided.

Other Requirements

• Must be comfortable with pets – we have 2 large, but very friendly dogs

• Must have a UK driving licence

• Must have access to own vehicle

• Other :

All applicants must be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.

Successful applicants will be entitled to Holiday pay and will be issued employment contracts.

Description

Typical duties

Personal Care:

Assistance with applying cream- only suntan lotion if needed

Assistance with medication i.e. dispensing, administering and/or prompting- only if overnight care

Social:

Occasionally accompany employer when accessing social and leisure activities e.g. Clubs, classes, library, gym etc

Occasional longer journeys

Accompany on trips out e.g. Cinema, walks, days out

The above duties will involve driving the employer in the PA’s car

Whilst on duty at the employer’s home, watching TV and assisting with craft activities.

Person specification

The successful applicant will be:

Experience of working with children with Autism, ADHD and complex needs

Must have experience within a SEN environment

Respectful of the employer’s privacy and confidentiality

Able to commit to hours as agreed, with flexibility around the hours too

Reliable with good time-keeping, time keeping is very important to manage routine.

Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative

Hygienic, tidy minded and well organised

Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties

Patience and understanding are of paramount importance, as our son can become dysregulated very quickly.

Honest and cheerful

Creative

Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard

Legally permitted to work in the United Kingdom

Able to work at all times to high standards of Health & Safety

Previous experience preferred but this is not as essential as a kind and common sense approach to these roles.

Please note, if you are successful in your application for this position you will be employed directly by the individual employer and not Independent Lives