Overview
Driver with a clean licence essential.
We are a family of 5 (3 kids, 2 of whom have additional needs) seeking a dedicated Personal Assistant to provide care, support and companionship to Zak. Zak is Autistic with a learning disability, ADHD and sensory processing difficulties. He is non-verbal and relies on an adult to problem solve and prompt him. He uses picture symbols to make choices with support, via his communication book or VOCA, and may also communicate using Makaton or other gestures. You will be required to use his communication book and model communication at all times.
Zak enjoys outdoor activities (quiet walks, exploring in his wheelchair, and riding on the Metro), as well as indoor activities such as tablet use. He likes messy play, magnetic blocks, slime and sand. He is tactile and may explore his environment with his mouth. He has little awareness of danger and can be physically challenging when motivated. He appreciates routines and requires clear communication for demands and expectations. He may be determined and requires a calm, confident, resilient approach to deescalation.
The role involves working in the home and in the community on a 2:1 basis and collaborating with our existing support team. You will work under direction, take initiative, and be accountable to the family in all aspects of your work. You must be reliable, flexible with hours, and respectful of privacy and confidentiality. You must be prepared to be involved in all aspects of personal care and be physically capable to meet the demands of the role.
Responsibilities
* Provide care, support and companionship to Zak in the home and in the community on a 2:1 basis.
* Use Zak’s communication book (and modelling) at all times; support choice-making via picture symbols, VOCA or Makaton as appropriate.
* Maintain routines, clear communication, and help with demands and expectations; respond to cues, intervene, and deescalate when needed.
* Be vigilant about safety, including Zak’s tendency to wander and his lack of awareness of danger.
* Support personal care as required and be physically fit to meet the role’s demands.
* Respect privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of work.
* Demonstrate confidence, resilience, patience, enthusiasm and a good sense of humour; show openness to diversity and respect for cultural and religious differences.
Qualifications
* No formal qualifications required, but a good understanding and awareness of Autism, learning disability, neurodiversity; willingness to learn under direction.
* Driver with a clean driving licence is essential.
* Permission to work in the UK at the start of employment.
Application notes
Please get in touch if you are a good fit and we can discuss further.
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