Carer / Support Worker
Job ref. PUR-303-808
About the Direct Payment Holder
A family in Letchworth is seeking a calm, patient and confident Personal Assistant to support their son, who has just turned 11 years old. He has diagnoses of autism and ADHD and is physically fit and healthy. He is verbal, using short sentences, and can usually make his wants and needs known. He is generally a happy and energetic boy, with vocal stims at times though has little sense of danger. He enjoys being outdoors, swimming and bowling, trampolining (including using a trampoline at home), climbing, visiting parks and going out in the car. He also enjoys cafés (especially cake!), petting farms, going splashing in water and watching familiar TV programmes such as Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures, Gigglebiz and Postman Pat.
He can be tactile with people he knows well, on his own terms. He dislikes sudden loud noises (such as shouting) and loud singing, but enjoys singing along to familiar nursery rhymes and children’s TV songs. He uses stimming behaviours such as clapping and vocal noises to regulate himself, particularly in busy or unfamiliar environments.
Hours and rate of pay: 4 hours per week. Days and times are flexible, though Saturday afternoons are ideal. Location: Letchworth (SG6).
DBS/Checks – Confirmation of DBS check. Right to Work and references will be needed.
Training
* Introduction to first aid
* Health and Safety / Moving and handling
What you would be doing
* Providing 1:1 support at home and in the community
* Taking him out in the car to places he enjoys, such as parks (especially playgrounds with swings), cafés, swimming, petting farms
* Supporting his safety when out, including use of a wrist strap to prevent him running off (training provided)
* Supporting with toileting, including accompanying him to the toilet, helping with clothing, and wiping when needed
* Remaining calm and supportive if he becomes upset or escalated, allowing him space and time to self-regulate
* Being attentive to sensory needs and environmental triggers (especially sudden loud noises)
Required skills and experience
* Experience working with children with autism and/or ADHD, particularly those who may become distressed or escalated physically
* Calm, patient, unflappable
* Able to remain quiet and nearby (without touching) when the child is upset, allowing him to calm and regulate himself
* Physically able as he can be bouncy and quite strong
* Comfortable supporting with personal care, including toileting and occasional use of pull-ups
* Must drive and have access to own car, as the child enjoys car journeys
Male or female applicants welcome.
• Sponsorship is not available for this role
• No agencies please
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