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- Tasks: Support a lively 12-year-old with autism and learning disabilities in daily activities.
- Company: Join a caring family dedicated to creating a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Earn £17.61 per hour, flexible hours, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding journey, helping Zak thrive and enjoy life.
- Qualifications: Must be a driver with a clean UK licence; experience with children is a plus.
- Other info: Join a diverse family and grow your skills in a supportive role.
Hours: 10 hours per week term time (evenings shifts after school from 2.30pm and some weekends),15 hours per week school holidays
Location: Great Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Rates of pay: £17.61 per hour
Driver with full UK licence essential
My son Zak is a happy, lively boy who has lots of energy. He is a large and strong 12-year-old. He loves to be outdoors on quiet walks or exploring in his wheelchair. Other times he likes to relax with his tablet watching his favourite videos in his room. He is fixated with water and liquids and will take that opportunity if he gets it to create a big mess!He really enjoys playing with sand and water, anything that is messy.
We are a family of 5 (3 kids, 2 of which have additional needs).We are seeking to find that extra special person who is ready for a challenge to become part of our family providing care, support and companionship to Zak. You must be geared towards achieving the best outcomes for him. He is Autistic alongside having Learning disability, ADHD and sensory processing difficulties. We currently have a PA who has known him for years and need to create a little team to work alongside.
Zak is non-verbal and relies on an adult to problem solve to find out what he needs and to prompt him. He uses picture symbols to make choices with support, via his communication book or VOCA. He may also communicate using Makaton or other gestures. He has a communication book tailored to him which is required to be used and always modelled.You will provide support to him within the home and in the community on a 2:1 basis.
My son can be very determined if there is something that he wants to do or doesn’t want to do, it can be challenging distracting him or persuading him against something. He can also become physically challenging. He also has no awareness of danger and will run, very quickly, towards anything that catches his attention. My son is very tactile and sometimes likes to explore his environment with his mouth, especially putting objects in it. Zak likes routines and requires clear communication for demands and expectations. Zak struggles with emotional and behavioural regulation and needs someone who is confident, resilient and quick to spot cues, intervene and deescalate.
As my son’s Personal Assistant, you will work under my direction and be able to take initiative to meet his needs. You will be accountable to me in all aspects of your work. You must be reliable, be able to use your initiative and be able to work flexible hours. You must be able to respect our privacy and understand the need for confidentiality in all areas of your work.You must be prepared and not afraid to get involved in all aspects of personal care and physically fit to be able to keep up with the demands of the role.
We consider confidence, resilience, patience, enthusiasm and a good sense of humour to be essential attributes for this job. We would also value someone who is open to diversity and respects cultural and religious differences.
A driver with a clean driving licence is essential.
This post is subject to a satisfactory DBs check and references which will be taken up if you are offered the post.
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.
Personal Assistant- MALNCL employer: Disability North
Contact Detail:
Disability North Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant- MALNCL
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Zak's needs and preferences before the interview. Familiarise yourself with his communication methods like Makaton or picture symbols. This shows us you're genuinely interested in providing the best support.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around patience and problem-solving. We want to see how you handle challenges, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of confidentiality and privacy during the interview. We value trust, so share how you would maintain Zak's dignity and respect his family's wishes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows us you're tech-savvy and keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant- MALNCL
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children like Zak shine through. Share any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate your commitment to supporting individuals with additional needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with communication methods like Makaton or picture symbols, as this will show us you understand Zak's needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for Zak and our family.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super simple to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability North
✨Know Zak's Needs
Before the interview, take some time to understand Zak's specific needs and challenges. Familiarise yourself with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing difficulties. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in providing the best support for him.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would use different communication methods like picture symbols, Makaton, or VOCA. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated with individuals who have similar needs.
✨Show Your Initiative
During the interview, highlight instances where you took the initiative in previous roles. Discuss how you’ve problem-solved in challenging situations, especially when working with children or individuals with additional needs.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Confidentiality
Make sure to convey your understanding of the importance of reliability and confidentiality in this role. Share examples of how you've maintained privacy and built trust in past positions, as this is crucial for working closely with Zak and his family.
