PA for child-6 hours/week, 8 in school holiday, £15.00/hr in Pudsey, Kirkstall, Headingley - Pudsey - LS28
I am looking for a personal assistant for my 10-year-old-boy, who has Autism, ADHD and symptoms of PDA, to promote independence and social experience.
The location of this job will mainly be in Pudsey LS28 and local community. The child is attending a school in Meanwood and finishes school at 2pm. It is also feasible if something can be arranged in other areas, such as Gravity Trampoline Park in Kirkstall, Village Hotel swimming pool in Headingley, etc. You don't have to pick up the child from the school.
He likes Lego, swimming, bouncy castle, trampoline, calculator, playground, soft play, column calculation, and a walk. Due to the incapacity to cope with noise and busy environment, he cannot concentrate on the activities, even his favourites, for a relatively lengthy period. He gets tired quickly. When you work with him, you need to observe the environment and his status, and you may need to take him to a quiet place or a walk to help him regulate when he feels over-stimulated.
The child has difficulties in sensory processing, communication and emotional regulation. He can become very upset, crying and screaming, when things aren't on his terms. You would need to be calm and confident to de-escalate the heightened situations.
When it gets busy on playground, you will need to guide him - verbally and physically - to take turns and promote socially accepted behaviour. If he is unable to do so, you will need to guide him to a less-people-used equipment without causing his emotional outbursts.
He doesn't require physical support with personal care but does need a consistent reminder to not picking nose, biting fingers, and washing hands properly after toilet etc.
Demand Avoidance means that he hates to be praised, 'controlled' and often does things opposite to what you have told/expected him. You need to remember NOT to praise him 'good boy', 'well done' or ' good job' at any time.
He may run to toilets, hand driers and lifts when these things/symbols are in his sight. When you are outside, you need to be vigilant and prevent him from running towards them without you/your permission.
We have a super-friendly 7 year old Labrador at home.
Main duties:
* constant supervision side by side on playground, soft play, trampoline park, swimming pool, other play areas or at home, prompting social rules but not using praise or rewards.
* explore a range of activities he will like to do with you together, it can include visiting buildings with lifts, trampoline, soft play, playground, swimming and so on.
* support to go to parks together during school holidays, such as Stockled Park.
* to support independence, life skills and social well-being.
* keep in touch and socialise with family and friends
* attend social events such as the cinema
These duties may vary from day to day.
Type of person that I am looking for:
Honest, reliable, punctual, non-judgemental, ability to build good relationships based on trust and respect, flexible, adaptable, easy going, able to work alone, positive, willingness to travel, understands equality and diversity.
Hours of work:
6 hours per week in term time & 8 hours per week during school holidays, more hours may needed. 2 to 3 times a week. Weekday afternoons from 2:30pm and Weekends.
Skills, qualifications and experience:
Essential: Knowledge of Autism, ADHD, PDA and challenging behaviour. Experience of working with children having Autism and ADHD. Clam nature and flat speaking tone. Be confident of dealing with challenging behaviour and de-escalate the dysregulation.
* calm nature and flat speaking tone.
* confidentiality
* good at building relationships
* good communicator
* a good listener
* ability to support people with challenging behaviour