At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young adult with autism in daily activities and community engagement.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in social care.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, paid holidays, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping someone gain confidence and independence.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism or mental health support is essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
Job Description
- Personal Assistant / Support Worker - Part-time position
- Hours
Up to 16 hours per week during term time and up to 30 hours per week during non-term time.
The available hours are likely to be divided between two or three Personal Assistants, so applicants interested in a smaller number of regular hours are welcome.
The working pattern will be agreed with the successful applicants and may include some daytime, evening and occasional weekend work.
Rate of pay
Hourly rate to be confirmed, subject to the local authority-funded rate, plus agreed expenses.
Paid holiday entitlement, pension contributions where eligible, and training and development opportunities are provided.
Location
Based in Dunkirk, near Faversham, with activities taking place locally and in the surrounding area.
Outline of the role
We are looking for a calm, reliable and supportive Personal Assistant to work with a young adult with autism who also experiences significant anxiety and mental health difficulties.
The role is to provide practical support, companionship and encouragement, helping him to participate in educational, therapeutic, social and community activities and to develop greater confidence and independence.
No personal care is required.
- Main responsibilities
- Supporting the young adult to prepare for and participate in activities in and outside the home.
- Supporting him to attend educational, therapeutic and social activities.
- Driving him to and from appointments, activities and places of interest.
- Supporting him to access the local community, including shops, cafés, clubs, leisure activities and public places.
- Helping him to develop independent-living skills, including cooking, shopping, using public transport, budgeting and managing daily routines.
- Supporting with planning and preparing healthy meals.
- Assisting with appropriate household tasks, including shopping, laundry, cleaning and general organisation.
- Helping him to plan and structure his time.
- Supporting him to take gradual steps towards greater confidence and independence.
- Providing calm and appropriate support during periods of heightened anxiety, following agreed plans and guidance.
- Building a consistent, trusting and respectful working relationship.
This is not an exhaustive list. The successful applicant may be asked to undertake other similar and reasonable tasks relating to the role.
Qualifications and experience
Essential
- Relevant experience of supporting autistic people, people with additional needs or people experiencing mental health difficulties.
This may have been gained through paid employment, voluntary work or personal experience.
- Experience of building positive and trusting relationships.
- Willingness to learn about the young adult’s individual needs, communication preferences and support strategies.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training.
Desirable
- Experience or training relating to autism, anxiety, OCD or mental health.
- Experience of supporting young adults to develop independent-living skills.
- Experience of person-centred, therapeutic or trauma-informed approaches.
- First-aid qualification.
- Basic food-hygiene training.
Formal care qualifications are helpful but are not essential where the applicant has suitable experience, personal qualities and a willingness to undertake training.
Skills, abilities and knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and provide appropriate support during periods of heightened anxiety, following agreed plans and guidance.
- Ability to work patiently and at the individual’s pace.
- Ability to encourage independence without being overly directive or confrontational.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative while respecting agreed boundaries.
- Ability to support with practical household tasks and prepare healthy meals.
- Ability to communicate appropriately with family members and other professionals involved in th
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Personal Assistant (Social Care) Faversham... in Dunkirk employer: Adult Social Care
At Words First, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a warm and supportive team culture that fosters collaboration and clinical excellence. Our therapists benefit from structured induction, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to work in diverse educational settings across London, making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND. Join us to be part of a community that values mentorship, interdisciplinary working, and personal growth in your career as an Occupational Therapist.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (Social Care) Faversham... in Dunkirk
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Adult Social Care, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Adult Social Care. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Adult Social Care's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (Social Care) Faversham... in Dunkirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Adult Social Care. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Adult Social Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adult Social Care
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Adult Social Care.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Personal Assistant (Social Care) Faversham... at Adult Social Care.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Adult Social Care that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Personal Assistant (Social Care) Faversham... role.
