Overview
We’re looking for a kind, patient, and enthusiastic Personal Assistant to support an 11-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He experiences challenges with learning, communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. He has sensory sensitivities and processing difficulties and sometimes mouths or eats non-edible items (Pica), which can affect his health. His speech and language are significantly delayed, and he communicates mostly through gestures and body language. Despite these challenges, he’s a bright and active young boy who enjoys a wide range of activities. He loves exploring both indoors and outdoors, playing with trains, using the iPad, messy play, soft play, and building with LEGO. He also enjoys singing nursery rhymes, number games, PE, trampolining, biking, and swimming.
He has severe learning difficulties and is working well below age-related expectations. He lives at home with his mum, dad, and older sibling. Some personal care is required, as he is not fully toilet trained. He may request to wear a pad and can become upset or emotional if it’s removed, sometimes leading to head banging when frustrated. He is very sensitive to noise and can become anxious or overwhelmed in busy environments, which may lead to meltdowns.
This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed. At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.
Details
* Hours: 4 hours per week
* Area: Jarrow, South Tyneside
* Rates of pay: Age-related national minimum wage, up to £12.90 per hour
* Holidays: 5.6 weeks pro rata per annum
Responsibilities
* Provide personal care support as needed (not fully toilet trained, may request to wear a pad, and can become upset if it is removed).
* Support communication and social interaction through gestures and body language and adapt to sensory and processing needs.
* Create a safe, engaging environment with activities he enjoys (indoor and outdoor activities, trains, iPad, messy play, LEGO, singing, number games, PE, trampolining, biking, swimming).
* Monitor for signs of distress or meltdowns and employ appropriate strategies to maintain calm and reduce anxiety in busy environments.
* Collaborate with family to support consistent routines and emotional regulation.
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