Description
The job itself
Two compassionate and attentive Personal Assistants are required to support a young individual who enjoys active, sensory and calming activities. This person loves spending time outdoors, going for walks, exploring parks, and visiting sensory environments where they can jump, swing and engage in playful movement. They enjoy bubbles, music, water play, and toys that light up or make interesting sounds. They also like short trips out when the environment is calm and predictable.
The individual communicates using gestures, pictures and communication devices. They are curious, fast-moving and enthusiastic about exploring their surroundings, so they require support from adults who can ensure safety, offer reassurance and help create enjoyable, structured experiences. Support in pairs is essential for outings to ensure safety and effective supervision.
What Support Is Needed
The individual benefits from adults who can:
1. Stay close at all times to ensure safety.
2. Provide reassurance and support when environments feel noisy or overwhelming.
3. Engage in play and sensory activities that help maintain calm and comfort.
4. Help them understand what is happening next through clear, simple guidance.
5. Monitor wellbeing and provide support if they become unwell or have a seizure.
6. Support safe eating and drinking.
7. Make outings enjoyable while maintaining safety and routine.
8. Work effectively together, as two helpers are required during trips out and danger isn’t always understood.
Activities You Will Do Together
9. Enjoy walks, outdoor spaces, parks or short drives.
10. Spend time in sensory rooms or calming activity spaces.
11. Play with preferred sensory toys and interactive items.
12. Support them to take part in activities safely and positively.
13. Use pictures or communication tools to help them make choices.
14. Encourage learning and new skills in a gentle, supportive way.
The family would like regular support from two Personal Assistants so the individual can enjoy fun activities while the family has time to rest.
About the Role
The successful candidates will be responsible for:
15. Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities.
16. Supporting the development of social and communication skills.
17. Providing calm, consistent and reassuring support.
18. Ensuring safety at home and in the community.
19. Helping the individual work towards personal goals and aspirations.
20. Attending or transporting the individual to activities and appointments.
21. Promoting inclusion, interaction and emotional wellbeing.
About the Candidates
The suitable candidates must:
22. Be conscientious, reliable and committed to providing the required support.
23. Be playful, warm and comfortable joining in fun sensory activities.
24. Be confident in keeping the individual safe during busy or exciting moments.
25. Be attentive to non-verbal communication and signals.
26. Be able to work effectively as part of a two-person support team.
27. Be comfortable in environments that may become energetic, noisy or messy.
28. Be patient, kind, caring and understanding.
29. Be able to build a positive and trusting relationship.
30. Be flexible to meet the needs of the family.
31. Have experience or knowledge of supporting a child or young person with additional needs.
DBS/Reference checks will be required for this post - Cost to be met by the local authority.