At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a fun companion and support a young adult with Autism in community activities.
- Company: Join a supportive environment focused on independence and enjoyment.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour, flexible hours, and all activity costs covered.
- Other info: Ideal for local applicants; driving licence preferred but not necessary.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while enjoying outings like cinema and bowling.
- Qualifications: A caring attitude, good timekeeping, and a love for sci-fi are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 € per hour.
This role is to support a young man with Autism and Learning Disability.
Location: Lancing
Drivers licence required: Preferred
Hours per week: Afternoon/evening (after college) and/or at weekends, depending on the activities chosen. Some flexibility would be appreciated.
Hourly pay rate: £13 per hour
We are looking for a PA/Buddy to take him out into the community two to three times a month. No personal care is required — this is purely companionship and support with accessing community-based activities, such as attending Mencap events (including Buddy’s Café), going to the cinema, and bowling. There may also be occasional trips further afield, to be discussed as and when.
Some emotional support may be required, as he can sometimes struggle with self-regulation and may be a little unpredictable at times. However, he is generally a lovely young man who simply wants to enjoy a more independent and fulfilling life outside of the home.
He absolutely loves Doctor Who, so a fellow Whovian would be a huge bonus! He’s also a gamer (think Fortnite and Roblox) and enjoys sci-fi in general, including Star Wars and the Alien and Predator franchises. He is currently attending a specialist college and is 17 years old.
There is a health condition for which a medical protocol is in place. The risk is minimal and there are very clear guidelines to follow. No medical intervention would be required, and further details can be discussed at interview.
He has a bus pass with a +1 for a carer, as well as an Access Card that enables a carer to attend activities. Any activities that incur a cost will be covered by us.
We are looking for someone who can offer support in the afternoon/evening (after college) and/or at weekends, depending on the activities chosen. Some flexibility would be appreciated. An own car/driver would be ideal; however, the bus pass can be used where appropriate. Most outings would be in Worthing, occasionally Brighton. We are based in Lancing, so someone local would be ideal.
Duties include:
- Companionship
- Support accessing the community
- Going to the cinema and bowling
- Occasional trips further afield (TBD)
- Some emotional support as and when required
Candidate qualities:
- Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
- Reliable with good timekeeping
- Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
- Hygienic, tidy and well organised
- Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
- Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Honest and cheerful
- Creative
- Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
- Driving licence and own vehicle ideal, but not necessary as his bus pass with the +1 for carer can be used
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.
If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.
Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.
PA/Buddy for fun-loving, young adult with Autism and Learning Disability DP6148 in Lancing employer: Independent Lives
Join us in making a meaningful difference in the life of a fun-loving young adult with Autism and Learning Disabilities. As a PA/Buddy, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values companionship and community engagement, with flexible hours that fit around your schedule. Located in Lancing, this role offers unique opportunities for personal growth while enjoying activities like cinema trips and gaming, all while being part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing quality of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA/Buddy for fun-loving, young adult with Autism and Learning Disability DP6148 in Lancing
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the young adult you'll be supporting. This way, you can show your genuine interest and understanding during any interviews or conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to local community groups or organisations that focus on autism and learning disabilities. They might have leads or even know someone looking for a buddy like you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The role requires some adaptability, so highlight your willingness to try new activities and go with the flow. This will show you're the perfect fit for a fun-loving environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PA/Buddy for fun-loving, young adult with Autism and Learning Disability DP6148 in Lancing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and your interests, especially if you're a fellow Whovian or gamer.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight any relevant experience you have with supporting individuals with Autism or Learning Disabilities, and mention how you can contribute to making this young man's life more fulfilling.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and structure your thoughts well, so it’s easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Lives
✨Know Your Candidate
Before the interview, take some time to learn about the young man you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with his interests, like Doctor Who and gaming. This will not only help you connect during the interview but also show that you're genuinely interested in providing companionship.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires support in the afternoons/evenings and weekends, be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight any flexibility you have in your schedule, as this is a key quality they're looking for. It shows you're ready to adapt to the needs of the young man.
✨Emphasise Your Interpersonal Skills
This position is all about companionship and emotional support. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with others, especially in challenging situations. Demonstrating patience and excellent communication skills will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Importance of Confidentiality
Respecting privacy is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. This will reassure the employer that you can be trusted to create a safe and supportive environment.
