Description
The job itself
The individual requires a support worker who can provide calm, patient, and consistent support at home and in the community. They benefit from adults who work at their pace, reduce pressure, and support emotional regulation during activities, routines, and transitions.
Changes, unfamiliar environments, and transitions can feel overwhelming, and close adult support is required to minimise distress. During times of dysregulation or fatigue, support should be delivered using simple communication, modelling, visual strategies, and quiet reassurance, in line with agreed support guidance.
There is limited awareness of risk, particularly in community settings. Close supervision is therefore essential when outside the home. With appropriate 1:1 support, the individual is able to safely access SEND groups, play sessions, outdoor activities, and community opportunities that promote wellbeing and inclusion.
This support also enables parents to access planned short breaks, contributing to overall family wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide consistent 1:1 support and supervision to ensure safety and wellbeing at all times.
2. Support communication, emotional regulation, routines, and transitions using a calm, patient, and reassurance‑based approach.
3. Enable engagement in meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and child‑led activities at home and in the community.
4. Maintain close supervision in community settings, including busy or unfamiliar environments, in line with safeguarding guidance.
5. Respond appropriately to periods of distress or dysregulation using agreed strategies, promoting emotional safety and wellbeing.
6. Support access to SEND groups, play sessions, and community activities, ensuring experiences remain safe, calm, and predictable.
7. Work in partnership with the family and follow agreed care guidance, boundaries, and safeguarding procedures at all times.
8. Support parents by providing reliable, planned assistance that enables short breaks.
Hours of Work
9. 4 hours per week during term time.
10. 6 hours per week during school holidays.
About the Candidate
The suitable candidate must:
11. Be conscientious and committed to providing appropriate and consistent support.
12. Be patient, caring, and understanding.
13. Be able to build a positive, trusting relationship to encourage engagement and confidence.
14. Be flexible to meet the needs of the family.
15. Have experience of, or a willingness to learn about, supporting individuals with additional needs.
DBS/Reference checks will be required for this post - Cost to be met by the local authority.