Description
The job itself
About The Receipient
The recipient is a 17-year-old young person with a great sense of humour who often brings laughter to friends and family. They enjoy activities that are adventurous, exciting, or simply fun, as well as spending relaxed time with friends - chatting, socialising, or going for a drink at Costa. They are caring, sociable, and highly valued by the people around them.
They have a wide range of interests. They attend a dance club where they take part in jazz, tap, and ballet, and they also enjoy sailing—especially on windy days when they can pick up speed. Their teachers and family describe them as being particularly talented in art.
What they dislike -
Academic work can feel boring and difficult to concentrate on, and sitting still for long periods is challenging - they often benefit from movement breaks. Making new friends can also be difficult, and they sometimes worry about how others perceive them. They prefer having freedom rather than restrictions on what they can do, and being at home for long periods without activities can make them feel restless. They can be strong-minded and don’t like being told what to do.
What they like -
They enjoy having fun, listening to music, socialising, shopping (especially for clothes), and spending time with friends, although navigating social situations can sometimes feel challenging. They are naturally chatty and very loyal to those close to them. Their hobbies include go-karting, climbing, bowling, attending concerts and theatre shows, and sailing. They also have a dog they love spending time with.
They enjoy using their phone, particularly watching TikTok videos that make them laugh. Looking through old photos of friends and family is also something they find comforting. Music plays an important role in helping them regulate their emotions and block intrusive thoughts. They enjoy going into town, shopping, and spending time with friends, who are extremely important to them. They value independence and want to build confidence in doing more things on their own. They also enjoy attending their regular club - including dance and sailing - and like working with children.
Areas where help may be needed
Using public transport can be difficult due to worries about others being unwell, although they recognise it is something they need to become more comfortable with. They may require support with emotional regulation and can find it challenging to express how they truly feel, often masking difficulties by pretending everything is fine. When overwhelmed, they can become irritable and may need time alone.
They are learning more about their neurodiversity but still worry about others judging them. Timekeeping, planning, and responding to messages can also be difficult, and high levels of anxiety can make confidence-building and arranging social plans challenging. They often assume things won’t work out and may find it hard to trust others.
About the role
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
1. Engage in activities that the young person will enjoy.
2. Helping to boost self confidence and in particular social confidence with peers.
3. Developing a strong relationship and supporting the individuals emotional well being.
4. Keeping them safe in the community.
5. Helping to fulfil their potential and aspirations for the future and helping to manage transitions.
6. Attending/transporting the individual to social activities and appointments, and encouraging the individual to use public transport.
7. Supporting and encouraging the individual to have more. independence and to take more responsibility as she progresses to adulthood.
About the candidate
The suitable candidate must:
8. Be conscientious and committed to providing support as necessary for the young person.
9. Be patient, supportive and understanding, and have an engaging sense of humour.
10. Be able to build a positive relationship with the young person to both encourage and support them.
11. Be flexible to meet the needs of the individual, including some more adventurous activities e.g. Go Karting.
12. Have knowledge of working with or supporting a young person with needs, experience of neurodiversity is particularly helpful.
13. Have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
DBS/Reference checks will be required for this post - Cost to be met by the local authority.