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- Tasks: Support a bright 11-year-old boy with autism in daily activities and personal care.
- Company: Join a caring family dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for their child.
- Benefits: Earn up to £12.90 per hour with 5.6 weeks holiday pro rata.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while enjoying fun activities together.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just kindness and patience.
- Other info: Flexible hours, perfect for students looking to gain experience.
Hours : 4 hours per week
Area : Jarrow
Rates of pay : Age-related national minimum wage, up to £12.90 per hour
Holidays : 5.6 weeks pro rata per annum
We’re looking for a kind, patient, and enthusiastic Personal Assistant to support an 11-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He experiences challenges with learning, communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
He has sensory sensitivities and processing difficulties and sometimes mouths or eats non-edible items (Pica), which can affect his health. His speech and language are significantly delayed, and he communicates mostly through gestures and body language.
Despite these challenges, he’s a bright and active young boy who enjoys a wide range of activities! He loves exploring both indoors and outdoors, playing with trains, using the iPad, messy play, soft play, and building with LEGO. He also enjoys singing nursery rhymes, number games, PE, trampolining, biking, and swimming.
He has severe learning difficulties and is working well below age-related expectations. He lives at home with his mum, dad, and older sibling. Some personal care is required, as he is not fully toilet trained. He may request to wear a pad and can become upset or emotional if it’s removed, sometimes leading to head banging when frustrated.
He is very sensitive to noise and can become anxious or overwhelmed in busy environments, which may lead to meltdowns.
This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.
At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.
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Personal Assistant - 5007521 employer: Disability North
Contact Detail:
Disability North Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - 5007521
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the specific challenges faced by children with ASD. Understanding sensory sensitivities and communication styles will help you connect better with the child and demonstrate your commitment to providing tailored support.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience or willingness to engage in activities that the child enjoys, such as messy play, building with LEGO, or outdoor exploration. Highlighting your enthusiasm for these activities can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss strategies for managing challenging behaviours, such as meltdowns or anxiety in busy environments. Being able to articulate your approach to maintaining a calm and supportive atmosphere will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to local support groups or organisations that focus on autism and special needs. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations that strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - 5007521
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific needs of the child and the skills required for the Personal Assistant role. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and qualities that match these requirements.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly those with special needs or autism spectrum disorder. Include specific examples of how you've supported similar individuals in the past.
Demonstrate Empathy and Patience: Use your application to convey your understanding of the challenges faced by children with ASD. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your kindness, patience, and ability to connect with children who have communication difficulties.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role involving care and support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability North
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
Demonstrate your ability to connect with children, especially those with special needs. Share any relevant experiences you have had that showcase your patience and understanding, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Discuss specific skills that are beneficial for a Personal Assistant role, such as communication techniques, behaviour management strategies, and any training related to autism spectrum disorder. This will show that you are prepared for the unique challenges of the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as meltdowns or sensory overload. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to explain your approach calmly and effectively.
✨Express Enthusiasm for Activities
Mention your willingness to engage in activities that the child enjoys, like playing with LEGO or going swimming. Showing enthusiasm for these activities can help convey your suitability for the role and your commitment to making the experience enjoyable for the child.
