Trauma Informed Therapeutic Support Worker DP8517a in Worthing

We are looking for a PA to join an existing team supporting a fun loving 19 year old man to read, understand and navigate the world around him. The role includes working as a job coach supporting my son with his communication and regulation when he is working and volunteering. It also includes developing his independence skills as he experiences life as an adult. If this is you and you are keen to work as a team supporting a young person understand a world where it once was not safe, and seems quite confusing at times, then you may be the person we are looking for.

My son is fun, has a great sense of humour and is keen to try new things. He loves cars, in fact anything with wheels! He also loves reptiles and birds of prey, making complex Lego models and taking his RC car out on walks, finding places to have it crawl over obstacles. He is also an incredible weightlifter; he needs someone who can join in his physical activities, he is a great coach! He is physically able; the person we need must have skills in a trauma responsive approach.

There is opportunity for ongoing training and monthly therapeutic clinical supervision, and a Multi-Disciplinary Team to support the right candidate. When in distress or upset he will communicate that in outspoken and verbally (or occasionally physically) aggressive manner. He has a vulnerable nervous system and is easily triggered; he sees danger where there may not be. It is critical the person we employ can help him experience "felt safety." Those working with my son need to co‑regulate with him, help him navigate the world, narrating what they see to open his eyes to most situations are safe, and to other people's views and intentions. The support worker needs to be skilled in de‑escalation techniques and remain calm under pressure. The support worker must take a trauma‑informed neurosequential approach underpinned by the work of Bruce Perry and Dan Hughes.

As my son takes a while to trust people and build relationships—please only apply if you are looking for a long term role and intend to work with us for at least a year.

• Supporting accessing work and volunteering
• Supporting developing independence skills
• Supporting accessing community

• Are you curious as to why another person reacts in a certain way?
• Have you had any trauma informed training?
• Have you any experience of working in a trauma responsive way?
• Do you understand how the nervous system detects danger and responds as if under threat when it is now safe?
• Are you active and engaging?
• Do you have a playful approach where connection is the priority?
• Can you attune to another person and read their nonverbal signals they need to co‑regulate?
• Can you support a young person who has speech and language and processing delay?
• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Increase "felt safety" for my son
• Ability to attune and co‑regulate with my son
• Ability to develop social communication skills for my son

• Non‑smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. Disability Confident.