At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a 9-year-old boy with autism, ensuring his safety and enjoyment during activities.
- Company: A caring family looking for dedicated support for their son.
- Benefits: £14.50 per hour, flexible hours during school holidays, meaningful work experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment where your kindness and patience will shine.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while enjoying fun outings together.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with autism or additional needs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
Hours: 12.5 hours per week during the school holidays
Rate of pay: £14.50 per hour
Location: Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne
Driver with own vehicle essential.
I am looking for 2 kind, patient, and reliable people to support my 9-year-old son, who attends Thomas Bewick School. He has autism, is non-verbal, and has dyspraxia. This role is all about helping him feel safe, understood, and able to enjoy the things he loves in a way that suits his needs.
My son needs close 2-1 supervision at all times to keep him safe. He can sometimes throw himself to the floor or try to slide out of his wheelchair, so I need someone who is attentive, calm, and able to respond quickly and safely in these situations. It’s really important that the person supporting him can stay relaxed and reassuring, even when things feel challenging.
As he is non-verbal, he communicates in his own way, so I’m looking for someone who is willing to take the time to understand him through his behaviour, gestures, and cues. He thrives with consistency and a calm environment, as he doesn’t cope well with change or loud, busy places. Having someone who can keep things predictable and low-stress makes a big difference to him.
He really enjoys getting out and about and experiencing different activities. Some of his favourite things are trampolining, visiting farms, and going to the theatre. He tends to enjoy these activities much more when they are quieter, usually later in the day, so planning outings around this is important. I would love someone who can help him access these experiences in a way that feels safe and enjoyable for him.
I’m looking for someone with experience of working with children with autism or additional needs, who understands how to support a child who doesn’t use words to communicate. You’ll need to be physically able to support him with his mobility and confident in keeping him safe. Most importantly, I’m looking for someone who is caring, dependable, and genuinely wants to build a positive relationship with him.
This role means a lot to our family, and I’m hoping to find someone who will take the time to get to know him and support him in a way that helps him feel comfortable, happy, and secure.
At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.
Personal Assistant – ZHSNCL employer: Disability North
Disability North is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Located in the vibrant Byker area of Newcastle upon Tyne, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our team enjoys flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference in the community, all while being part of a compassionate and dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant – ZHSNCL
✨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 Disability North.
✨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 Disability North!
✨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 Disability North, 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 Disability North 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 Personal Assistant – ZHSNCL
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 Disability North:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Disability North! 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 Disability North
✨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.
