At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a fun-loving 13-year-old with adventures like swimming and café visits.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to making a difference in a young person's life.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rates, flexible hours, and the chance to create joyful experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting outings and help a young person thrive while having fun.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or willingness to learn; driving license preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy laughter-filled days together!
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
I am a 13-year-old boy who is full of fun and energy, with a cheeky sense of humour. I have a severe learning disability and autism, and I am non-verbal. I’m looking for two caring and reliable Personal Assistants to support me for 3 hours each week. I love swimming, going for walks (I use a wheelchair), trips to the beach, messy play, going out to cafés, visiting The Yard play centre, seeing the penguins at the zoo, and the occasional treat at McDonald’s – all the usual favourites! I am cheeky and fun, but I do need 2-to-1 support at all times. I’m tall and stocky, so you’ll need to be physically able to keep up with me.
Hours
- 3-hour slot each week (additional hours may be available).
- 2 Personal Assistants working together.
- Proposed shift is during the weekend day; however, I’m open to considering different hours for the right people.
Pay Rates and Requirements
- Enhanced Rate PA – £14.82 per hour
- Must have experience supporting young people with challenging behaviours.
- A solid understanding of what to expect in this type of role.
- Confident to guide and support less experienced team members.
- Standard Rate PA – £12.87 per hour
- Experience working with children or young people is preferred.
- Must be open to training and guidance from the Enhanced Rate PA.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide safe and engaging support during community activities (swimming, walks, play centres, café visits, outings).
- Support communication using Boardmaker symbols for now-and-next activities.
- Use (or be willing to learn) basic Signalong to help me express myself.
- Assist with mobility and ensure my safety while using my wheelchair.
- Work as part of a 2:1 support team.
- Support with personal care if needed.
- Be reliable, patient, and willing to join in with the fun!
Essential Requirements
- At least one team member must be a driver with access to a car (mileage paid).
- Physically fit to provide safe support.
- Member of the PVG Scheme (or willing to join).
Desirable Qualities
- Understanding of Boardmaker symbols (or willingness to learn).
- Basic Signalong (or willingness to learn).
- Friendly, patient, and dependable.
- Comfortable supporting a young person with autism, non-verbal communication, and learning disabilities.
- Happy to get involved in fun activities (swimming, outings, play centres, etc.).
If you enjoy making a difference, can work as part of a supportive team, and are up for plenty of fun and laughter along the way, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email your interest in the position, including the job reference AC BS, to pajobs@lothiancil.org.uk. You’re welcome to send your CV and a cover letter too.
AC BS:Two Personal Assistants Needed –Support a 13-Year-Old Boy Who Loves Adventures/Edinburgh employer: Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
Contact Detail:
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AC BS:Two Personal Assistants Needed –Support a 13-Year-Old Boy Who Loves Adventures/Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the young person you'll be supporting. Research autism and learning disabilities to understand their needs better. This will help you connect with them and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves using Boardmaker symbols and possibly Signalong, brush up on these methods. It’ll not only make you more effective but also show your commitment to supporting the young person.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your fun side during interviews! The job is all about engaging in activities like swimming and outings, so share your own experiences of fun adventures. This will help you stand out as someone who can truly connect with the young boy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace AC BS:Two Personal Assistants Needed –Support a 13-Year-Old Boy Who Loves Adventures/Edinburgh
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 share why you’d be a great fit.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight any relevant experience you have with young people, especially those with learning disabilities or autism. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Show Your Understanding: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role and the specific needs of the young person you'll be supporting. Mention any skills or experiences that relate to communication methods like Boardmaker symbols or Signalong.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
✨Know the Young Person's Needs
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of the 13-year-old boy you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with autism and non-verbal communication methods like Boardmaker symbols and Signalong. This shows you’re genuinely interested in providing the best support.
✨Show Your Fun Side
Since the role involves engaging in fun activities like swimming and trips to the zoo, be prepared to share your own experiences with similar activities. Highlight your enthusiasm for adventure and how you can contribute to making outings enjoyable for the young person.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As this position requires working closely with another Personal Assistant, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past teamwork experiences, especially in challenging situations, to show you can support each other while ensuring the young person's safety and enjoyment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Training Willingness
The job mentions a preference for candidates who are open to training. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to learn about Boardmaker symbols and Signalong. Showing that you're eager to develop your skills will make you a more attractive candidate.