At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an 8-year-old boy with Autism during community outings and activities.
- Company: Join a caring family environment focused on child development.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour for 3 hours a week, flexible schedule.
- Other info: Perfect for those seeking part-time work with a meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with additional needs and willingness to learn Makaton.
The predicted salary is between 7000 - 8000 € per year.
Location: Tarbolton
Hours: 3 hours per week (52 weeks per year)
Rate of Pay: £13.45 per hour
About The Role
We are looking for a compassionate and patient Personal Assistant (PA) to support an 8-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of Autism and social and communication difficulties. He is on the waiting list for an ADHD diagnosis and has a condition called PICA, which means he may try to eat non-food items. He has limited verbal communication and uses Makaton signs, gestures, and visuals to express his needs and feelings. The young person requires constant supervision due to a complete lack of danger awareness and a tendency to leave the home unsupervised if doors or windows are left unlocked. Support is especially important when out in the community, where he relies on the use of reins or a wheelchair to stay safe.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 support to the young person during community-based outings (e.g., local park, soft play, walks, or suitable activities).
- Use Makaton, gestures, and visuals to aid communication and encourage interaction.
- Help him stay engaged and focused during activities, offering reassurance and redirection as needed.
- Ensure his safety at all times, especially in public settings – he requires constant supervision and a high level of vigilance.
- Encourage social interaction and support him in developing his confidence and communication.
- Follow guidance and routines provided by his parent to ensure consistency and security.
Key Requirements
- Experience working with children with Autism, communication difficulties, and/or additional needs.
- Ability to use or willingness to learn Makaton and visual supports.
- Patience, empathy, and a calm, child-centred approach.
- Excellent awareness of safety and risk, particularly with children who have no awareness of danger.
- Willingness to assist with the person’s mobility needs, including use of reins or wheelchair during outings.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to build trust with both the child and his family.
- Enhanced DBS check and references required prior to start.
Additional Information
This is a flexible, part-time role ideal for someone with SEN experience or training. You will be supporting the child in community/social settings, giving his parent some respite and giving him the opportunity to enjoy new experiences safely.
Community/Social Support - 02/Tarb/BJ in Tarbolton employer: Ayrshire Independent Living Network
Join our dedicated team as a Personal Assistant in Tarbolton, where you will make a meaningful impact in the life of a child with additional needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and compassionate work culture that values patience and empathy, offering flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in the field of special educational needs. With a focus on community engagement, you will not only provide essential support but also enjoy the rewarding experience of helping a young person thrive in social settings.
Contact Detail:
Ayrshire Independent Living Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community/Social Support - 02/Tarb/BJ in Tarbolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the community support field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events or workshops related to autism and additional needs. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet potential employers and like-minded individuals who can help you land that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with Makaton or working with children with additional needs, be ready to demonstrate this in interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Community/Social Support - 02/Tarb/BJ in Tarbolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:When writing your application, let your compassion and patience shine through. Share any relevant experiences you have that demonstrate your ability to connect with children, especially those with additional needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous work or volunteer experience with children who have Autism or communication difficulties. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in similar roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language to explain your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire Independent Living Network
✨Know the Child's Needs
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of the child you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with Autism, communication difficulties, and PICA. This knowledge will show your commitment and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since Makaton and visual supports are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss how you would use these methods in practice. You might even want to bring along some examples or resources to demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt.
✨Showcase Your Safety Awareness
Highlight your experience with safety protocols, especially when working with children who have no awareness of danger. Share specific examples from your past roles where you ensured a child's safety during outings or activities.
✨Build Rapport with the Family
Express your understanding of the importance of building trust with both the child and their family. Discuss how you would communicate with the parents and follow their guidance to provide consistent support, which is crucial for the child's well-being.
