This is an external vacancy and is not employment with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
We are looking for a warm, caring, and patient support worker for a 6-year-old girl who is autistic and non-verbal. She is full of energy, imagination, and curiosity, and she benefits from predictable routines and sensory-regulating activities. The right person will build a trusting relationship and support her to enjoy meaningful experiences safely, both at home and in the community.
Key Responsibilities
Provide 1:1 supervision at all times you must not be responsible for another child while supporting this young person.
Build a positive connection through consistency, patience, and play.
Begin work within the family home to understand her needs before gradually introducing activities in the community.
Plan and support sensory-friendly, interest-led outings such as swimming, climbing, soft play, or walks.
Understand and respond to impulsive or challenging behaviours with a calm and consistent approach.
Provide personal care support including help with feeding, changing, and toileting.
Support the young persons communication using agreed tools (e.g. visuals, gesture, or assistive communication systems).
Follow routines and strategies agreed with parents and professionals to promote emotional regulation and development.
About the Young Person
She is an expressive and determined child who thrives in playful, low-pressure environments. While she does not use words to communicate, she is highly responsive and benefits from adults who are attuned to her cues and needs. She has a strong sensory profile, including a need for deep pressure input, and responds well to movement-based activities and gentle, sensory-rich play.
Her behaviours can be unpredictable at times due to sensory overload or communication frustration, so experience in managing behaviour safely and compassionately is essential.
Essential Qualities
Calm, confident, and nurturing approach
Physically active and able to keep up with high-energy activities
Open to guidance and feedback from family
Willing to learn about autism, sensory processing, and non-verbal communication
Consistent, reliable, and patient
Desirable Experience
Experience supporting children with additional needs, particularly autism or communication difficulties
Understanding of sensory integration
Familiarity with behaviour support approaches
Additional Information
A 6-month probationary period will apply.
A DBS check (cost covered by the local authority) and two references are required (one must be from most recent employer).
Opportunities for additional hours will arise, especially during school holidays.
Children and Young People, Specialist Services Direct Payments is an in-house service provided by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to support families of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to fulfil their potential and aspirations.
Whilst caring experience is always useful, you don’t necessarily need to have worked in care to be a great Direct Payment Worker, the right attitude and a person-centred approach is more important.
Travel
Some travel across East Riding of Yorkshire may be required, applicants must be able to transport themselves.
DBS/Medical check
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance check.
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