CDP2953 Personal Assistant to an Adult in Cardiff

PA required for an 18 year old man living in Heath. He has a diagnosis of autism, learning difficulties and developmental coordination disorder. He can find communication and processing information difficult, particularly in unfamiliar situations.

6 hours per week

A full driving licence and access to a car would be desirable but not essential as he has a Companion Bus Pass.

A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF Personal assistant is required for an 18 year old young man living in Heath, Cardiff. He has a diagnosis of autism, learning difficulties and developmental coordination disorder. He can find communication and processing information difficult, particularly in unfamiliar situations, and may need extra time to understand what is being said and formulate a response. He can lack confidence in social situations and benefits from patient, reassuring support to help him develop his independence. Recently, he started a Skills for Independence course at college, and it would be good to build on this by helping him develop practical everyday skills and become more confident with travelling out and about and navigating his surroundings. As you get to know him, you'll find that he becomes more chatty. He has a wonderful sense of humour and is thoughtful towards others. He enjoys visiting classic car shows, going to the cinema, listening to rock music and recently had a great time at Golf Fang. He also enjoys shopping for clothes, particularly at McArthurGlen, and going out for food - he's a bit of a foodie and particularly enjoys going to Mowgli in McArthur Glen for a curry at lunchtime! He previously attended a Dungeons & Dragons group but, unfortunately, the sessions clash with his college timetable, so he is no longer able to attend. He would like to explore new interests, enjoy more social opportunities and build his confidence when interacting with other people. He benefits from clear communication, he can feel anxious in unfamiliar situations, has a dislike for crowded places, and a fear of heights, which currently affects his ability to use some stairs, escalators and lifts. Ideally, the PA will take an active interest in finding activities and experiences that might appeal to him, encouraging him to try new things and broaden his horizons. It's important that the person is patient, approachable and able to build a trusting relationship with him, introducing new experiences gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable for him, while helping him develop confidence and independence.

Purpose of Job

Social hours to support him out in the community to places he enjoys.

Hours of Work

6 hours per week. Ideally, there would be some flexibility to use the hours for different activities, depending on his interests and what works best for him. He is in college Monday-Thursday, therefore the most likely times would be potentially a Friday or Saturday or evenings (depending on the activity).

Rate of Pay

£15.70 an hour

Tasks Involved

• Supporting him to access the community and explore activities and places of interest.
• Developing practical life skills, including visiting shops of his choice, understanding money and making purchases.
• Helping him to become more confident communicating with others and expressing his needs.
• Supporting him to develop social skills and explore opportunities to meet people and form friendships.
• Helping him practise navigating familiar and unfamiliar places and using public transport, where appropriate.
• Helping him to build confidence when faced with unfamiliar activities or situations, without putting him under pressure.

Type of Person Required

• Patient, friendly, calm and approachable.
• Reliable and consistent.
• A good communicator who can use straightforward language and allow him time to process information and respond.
• Understanding of autism and learning disabilities, or willing to undertake relevant training and learn about his individual needs.
• Encouraging and able to build confidence without being overbearing.
• Interested in helping a young adult develop practical skills, independence and social opportunities.

About the Job

Though a part-time job, this will be a proper job requiring a National Insurance number to be submitted. A probation period will be necessary in the first instance. Wages will be paid 4 weekly. You will receive 5.6 weeks paid holiday (pro rata). You will be required to apply for a DBS check at no expense to you. Support cannot be carried out in the personal assistant’s own home.