Personal Assistant
Ref: TM8212
Location
Henfield
Details
This role is to support a Child
Requirements
* Drivers licence required: Yes
* Own vehicle needed: Yes
Employment status
Employed
Hours per week
Term‑Time: 3.5 hours per week, worked at weekends. School Holidays: 5.5 hours per week, with days and times to be mutually agreed. Job Share: Open to job share if you’re unable to cover all hours. Mileage rate (if applicable): 45p per mile
Hourly pay rate
£15.00 plus mileage. Mileage rate: 45p per mile
We’re looking for a kind, reliable, and energetic Personal Assistant to support our 13‑year‑old daughter, who is on the autistic spectrum and has epilepsy. She’s a vibrant, semi‑verbal young girl who thrives with 1:1 support and loves getting out and about.
Her features: She requires constant supervision to stay safe, prefers a strict routine, and needs a mindful, adaptable and respectful support.
Your role will include
* Taking her on fun outings to places like the park, McDonald’s, KFC, and local shops
* Spending time with her at home doing activities she enjoys
* Introducing her to new experiences in a safe, structured way
* Engaging her in dancing, jumping, running, and singing along to pop hits
We’re looking for someone who is
* Responsible, alert, and empathetic
* Confident in supporting children with additional needs
* Able to bring a sense of fun and warmth to her time away from us
* Experience with autism and epilepsy is preferred, but full training will be provided—including administering Buccal Midazolam (emergency medication), which must be carried at all times once trained.
Duties include
* Medication prompting/administering
* Eating and drinking assistance
* Other relevant duties as required
* Transportation
* Companionship
* Bathroom assistance
What You’ll Be Doing
* Outings & Activities: Accompany her on fun trips to parks, restaurants, shops, and other places she enjoys. Spend time with her at home doing favourite activities like dancing, jumping, running, and singing.
* Exploration & Growth: Encourage and support her to try new experiences in a safe, structured way.
* 1:1 Support & Supervision: Provide consistent, attentive care to ensure her safety and wellbeing at all times.
* Safety Awareness: Stay alert to surroundings and be ready to act quickly, especially near roads or unfamiliar environments.
* Risk Awareness: Help her build understanding of potential dangers in a gentle, supportive way.
* Communication Support: Use alternative communication methods to understand her needs and help her express herself. She is semi‑verbal and uses aids at school.
* Routine & Comfort: Respect her routines and preferred ways of doing things, helping her feel secure and understood.
* Emotional Support: Help her recognise and manage triggers that may cause distress.
* Medical Care: Follow her Epilepsy Emergency Care Plan and carry Buccal Midazolam at all times (training provided). Administer other medication as needed.
* Personal Care: Provide minimal support with toileting and ensure ear defenders are available when needed (e.g. noisy public toilets).
* Mealtime Support: Assist with food and drink routines—she feeds herself independently but prefers familiar foods and venues.
* Transport: Drive her to activities using your own car (mileage reimbursed @ 45p per mile). Help with getting in/out of the car, seatbelt use, and applying safety locks.
* Activity Logistics: Book activities, pay entrance fees (covered), and order food or drinks as needed.
* Flexibility: Carry out any other reasonable tasks that support her enjoyment, safety, and development.
Candidate qualities
* Experience with autism and epilepsy is preferred, but full training will be provided—including administering Buccal Midazolam (emergency medication), which must be carried at all times once trained.
Additional requirements
* Non‑smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours
Notes
* All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.
* If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self‑employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.
* Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.
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