At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young individual with Autism and Down Syndrome in fun and engaging activities.
- Company: A caring family dedicated to fostering independence and joy in learning.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Experience with BSL is a plus, but not required.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role where your creativity and passions can inspire growth.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
We are a family who are looking for help with a young individual who is 28 years old and has Autism and Down Syndrome. We have home educated our son following many intense neurological programs since 2004. Previous experience is not needed, and we will accompany you with your first sessions until you are comfortable with your role. We work to develop his independence and communication, as his verbal communication is limited. Our approach is to bring fun and joy to his learning through enthusiastic motivation, trying, and repetition.
Role and Responsibilities
Our son is very active and has many different hobbies. He loves to play music, paint, dance, sing, play creative and constructive games, and do sports. The main goal is to develop his independence and learning through engaging with him in his favourite activities, as well as inspire him to do simple household tasks together. We encourage PAs to share with him their own hobbies and passions.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing Considerations
You will be working in a family home and progressively you might be doing some activities outside the home environment. We expect you to be respectful of the family home.
Qualifications/Training
No qualification requested. We have worked with psychology, maths, history, drama, and music students as well as musicians, mathematicians, people in retirement in the past, so anyone is welcome. We are introducing BSL so anyone with experience or willing to learn.
Skills/Abilities
- Good at following instructions
- Flexible and open-minded
This post is subject to disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010 schedule 9 paragraphs 1 – 4.
Read more employer: Direct Payments
As a Personal Assistant in Maidstone, you will join a supportive and compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of young adults with autism. Our work culture prioritises kindness, patience, and personal growth, offering you the chance to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a nurturing environment. With flexible hours and a focus on community engagement, this role provides a rewarding opportunity to foster independence and confidence in those we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Direct Payments.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Direct Payments!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Direct Payments, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Direct Payments or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Read more
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Direct Payments:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Direct Payments! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Direct Payments
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
