At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young autistic woman in building confidence and independence through engaging activities.
- Company: A caring environment focused on personal growth and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Ideal for someone patient, observant, and ready to have fun while supporting Jamie.
- Why this job: Join Jamie on her journey to independence and help her thrive in the community.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; experience with autism or ADHD is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 15 £ per hour.
Reporting to
Jamie and her parent/family representative
Location
Kidderminster and surrounding areas
Rate of Pay
- £13.01 PAYE- £15 SELF-EMPLOYED
- Nature of the job role
To provide friendly, patient and person-centred support to a young autistic woman with ADHD, helping her gradually build confidence, independence and access the community.
Jamie can take time to trust new people, so support will begin gradually and at her pace.
Initially this may involve spending time together at home, doing activities she enjoys, short local walks and trips to nearby shops.
Her mum may accompany larger outings at first and gradually step back as Jamie becomes more comfortable with her PA.
The longer-term aim is to help Jamie become more confident outside the home, develop friendships and interests, take greater responsibility for herself and build skills for adulthood and future supported independence.
Main Duties
- Provide gentle encouragement with routines, personal hygiene, health and self-care without being controlling or overpowering.
- Support Jamie to gradually take more responsibility for attending appointments, communicating her needs and making choices.
- Help Jamie recognise when she is becoming anxious, uncomfortable or overwhelmed, and encourage her to express when she does not want to do something.
- Support Jamie to keep herself safe and healthy as she develops greater independence.
- Domestic duties
- Support Jamie to develop basic independent-living skills such as simple healthy meal preparation, shopping and budgeting.
- Encourage Jamie to gradually take responsibility for simple routines rather than doing tasks for her.
- Social Duties
- Build a trusting, consistent relationship with Jamie.
- Support short local walks and visits to shops initially, then gradually progress to larger outings as confidence grows.
- Support Jamie to attend small, quieter community activities such as art classes, creative groups, animal centres/mini farms, nature activities, gaming or autism-friendly groups and other activities based around her interests.
- Support Jamie to develop social confidence and opportunities for friendships outside of her online world.
- Plan outings around quieter times where possible and allow regular rest breaks.
- Hours of work
10 hours per week, used flexibly.
Support will be introduced gradually at Jamie's pace.
She will not initially be expected to spend the full 10 hours out with the PA; time and activities can build as trust and confidence develop.
Qualifications
No formal qualification essential.
Training or experience relating to autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs or supporting young adults would be desirable.
A full driving licence and access to a suitable car are essential.
Skills & Experience
- Female PA preferred; calm, patient, quietly spoken, reliable and not overpowering.
- A relaxed personality and good sense of humour are important. Jamie responds well to fun and light-hearted interaction once she feels comfortable.
- Jamie may be very quiet with unfamiliar people and can initially give short answers.
Once she trusts someone and finds a shared interest, she can become much more relaxed and talk fluently.
- Jamie does not always say when she is uncomfortable or does not want to do something and may simply agree and struggle afterwards.
The PA must be observant, patient and able to check in gently without pressure.
- Clear and fluent spoken English is essential due to Jamie's communication and verbal-processing needs.
- Shared interests would be a real advantage, particularly gaming, anime, gothic interests, art, horror/jump scares and animals.
- Jamie currently manages short car journeys best due to sensory difficulties and travel sickness.
Walking can also be painful and tiring, so activities need to be flexible with regular opportunities to sit and rest.
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Personal Assistant (JLD) - DY10 employer: Ideal for All
Ideal for All is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to engage in rewarding therapeutic initiatives, you will find a fulfilling environment in Sandwell that values inclusivity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (JLD) - DY10
✨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 Ideal for All.
✨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 Ideal for All!
✨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 Ideal for All, 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 Ideal for All 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 (JLD) - DY10
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 Ideal for All:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ideal for All! 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 Ideal for All
✨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.
