PA/Buddy for fun-loving, young adult with Autism and Learning Disability DP6148

This role is to support a young adult with Autism and Learning Disability.

Location: Lancing

Details:

• 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 a young man 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