Support Worker, Epsom, KT19. A rewarding opportunity for a compassionate, experienced *female support worker to champion a bright 10-year-old boy with a diagnosis of Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). £19.00 gph
* Nearest Station: Epsom
* Salary/Wage: £19.00 gross per hour | £23,826.00 gross per annum
* Driving Requirements: Yes, family car whilst on duty – or you can use your own car
* Essential: Experience supporting Autistic children/teenagers and excellent knowledge of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). *Female applications only
* Start Date: ASAP
* Days & Hours: Term time: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 07.30 am to 6.30 pm.
* Pets in Home: Cat, and at the end of June, an Autism Assistance dog will be arriving to work with Tom.
* Recruiter Contact: Janet
About the Client/Child: Tom is 10 years old and at the heart of a very loving family. He has an older sister, who attends secondary school. Tom is an engaging and bright young boy with a range of interests. He enjoys building with Lego, playing on Roblox, and getting involved in baking projects - if they are interesting enough. With Spring on the way, being able to go outdoors and visit local parks will be hugely beneficial for him. Tom has a diagnosis of Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and has experienced trauma. He has been out of education for 2.5 years due to burn-out, and since starting his new SEN school at the beginning of this year, Tom’s anxiety has increased, which has begun to affect how he engages with the people around him. PDA can present unique challenges, and for Tom, direct questions or instructions can quickly feel overwhelming, often leading him to withdraw completely. A support worker with professional hands-on experience with children of a similar age and with PDA, will be paramount to Tom regaining his confidence and autonomy. Tom is very excited knowing an Autism Assistance dog will be joining him in June - so together with his support worker, an amazing new team will be formed.
The Role at a Glance This role involves working closely with Tom to encourage daily activities, facilitate school attendance, and provide experienced emotional support. School is a 40-minute drive so Tom’s support worker will drop him off, then carry out Tom related duties which will include walking his dog, food menu prep and laundry. Picking up Tom, supporting him with homework and walking his dog. Tom is currently refusing to go to school so the right support worker for Tom will come into this role with extensive knowledge and understanding of how to approach and support children who have PDA; implementing appropriate positive communication techniques, and support his emotional regulation, in a gently reassuring manner. The support worker will be paid for their contracted hours, including periods when Tom is attending school.
The Role at a Glance You’ll work closely with Tom to promote his independence, encourage engagement in daily activities, and work towards consistent school attendance. You will provide calm, experienced emotional support and build a trusting, positive relationship with him. Tom’s school is approximately a 40-minute drive away. While Tom may not currently be attending school consistently, the aim of this role is to gently and successfully support him back into education. On days when school attendance is achieved, you will drop him off and then carry out Tom-related duties during school hours, including walking his dog, preparing simple meal plans, and managing his laundry. After school, you will collect Tom, support him with homework, and spend time outdoors walking his dog together. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge and understanding of supporting children with PDA, and will be confident using positive, low-demand communication strategies. You will be skilled in supporting emotional regulation, remaining patient, consistent and gently reassuring at all times. This is a contracted role, and you will be paid for your full agreed hours, including periods when Tom is attending school.
This Job Would Suit A proactive and patient *Female Support Worker who is able to create a nurturing, safe environment. adaptability is essential, as days can vary greatly, and having a calm, reassuring presence will make a significant difference in Tom’s life. The role is perfect for someone who genuinely wants to positively impact Tom’s personal growth.
Why You’ll Love This Role This role offers the chance to make a positive difference in Tom’s life while working in a supportive environment. It is very hopeful that with your experienced input Tom will begin to enjoy school again and when that happens there will be lots of free time during the day if you are perhaps studying. Tom’s family value kindness and understanding, making your job with Tom an incredibly rewarding experience.
Recruitment Process Snap Care is managing the full recruitment process, including shortlisting, recruiter interviews, and arranging employer interviews.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.
If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010