At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide personalised support to a manager, helping with organisation and communication.
- Company: Join a national charity focused on inclusive play and support.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive environment, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and development in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Empower a neurodivergent manager while working in a vibrant adventure playground.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and understanding of neurodiversity.
The predicted salary is between 11544 - 11544 £ per year.
Location: Hackney Adventure Playground, Spring Lane, Big Hill, Hackney, London E5 9HQ
Hours: 15 hours per week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
Contract: Fixed term until February 2027
Salary: £11,544 per annum
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly organised, adaptable and empathetic Personal Assistant / Adult Support Worker to provide personalised workplace support to the Play Service Manager at a specialist Adventure Playground within a national charity. This role supports an adult employee in carrying out their professional responsibilities effectively, sustainably and independently. While based in a child-centred environment, it is not a direct support role for children or young people.
The successful candidate will provide practical, administrative, organisational and communication support to a manager with neurodivergent support needs and some physical health needs. Using a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach to autism and ADHD, support will be collaborative, personalised and regularly reviewed. The role requires someone who can work proactively and intuitively, helping the Manager organise, prioritise and manage the demands of their role while respecting their independence and autonomy.
Key Responsibilities
- Personal & Practical Support: Provide day-to-day personalised support to the Manager, helping them manage workload, wellbeing and priorities. Support sustainable working practices through effective planning, breaks and workload management. Anticipate challenges and provide practical support during periods of high pressure, stress or reduced capacity. Assist with appointments, mobility and comfort needs where required.
- Diary, Scheduling & Organisation: Manage diaries, meetings, rotas, training schedules and appointments. Track actions, deadlines and follow-up tasks. Help prioritise workload and protect time for key responsibilities. Identify and implement systems, tools and processes that improve efficiency and organisation.
- Communication Support: Support effective communication with staff, partners and stakeholders. Assist with drafting emails, letters, reports and other written communications. Provide support with challenging or sensitive conversations and correspondence. Answer and screen calls where appropriate and help ensure information is presented clearly and accessibly.
- Administration & Information Management: Maintain effective filing systems, records and organisational processes. Provide administrative support using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and bespoke databases. Assist with financial administration, meeting minutes, reports and training resources. Help develop systems that improve information management and operational efficiency.
- Neuro-Affirming & Wellbeing Support: Work in a way that respects neurodivergent communication, sensory and processing differences. Support strategies that reduce barriers, improve focus and promote wellbeing. Remain flexible and responsive to changing support needs. Build a collaborative working relationship based on trust, respect and discretion.
About You
You will be:
- Highly organised, proactive and adaptable.
- Empathetic, patient and an excellent communicator.
- Discreet and professional when handling confidential information.
- Calm under pressure and able to use initiative.
- Comfortable working collaboratively and tailoring support to individual needs.
- Comfortable working in an active, outdoor and play-based environment.
Essential Requirements:
- Strong administrative, organisational and time-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and database systems.
- Understanding of neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD.
- Ability to work independently while anticipating support needs.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity.
Desirable:
- Previous experience as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Support Worker or similar role.
- Experience within SEND, disability, youth work, social care or play settings.
- Knowledge of current neurodiversity approaches and best practice.
- Experience supporting disabled children and young people.
Location: Primarily based at Hackney Adventure Playground, with occasional off-site meetings and travel. Some home working may be possible when appropriate.
DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS check (Child and Adult Workforce) required.
We reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high volume of applicants.
Personal Assistant / Support Worker in London employer: Kids
Kids in Basingstoke is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while nurturing the development of young children. With a strong emphasis on play-based learning, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing Early Years Practitioners with ample opportunities for professional development and meaningful engagement with families. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a competitive salary package along with bonuses, making it a rewarding place to build your career in early childhood education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant / Support Worker in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Kids, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Kids. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Kids's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant / Support Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Kids. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Kids.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Kids.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Personal Assistant / Support Worker at Kids.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Kids that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Personal Assistant / Support Worker role.
