Support Worker & Carer for disabled teen

We are looking for a reliable and caring Personal Assistant / Support worker / learning support / carer for a disabled and autistic non-verbal teenager with epilepsy, movement disorder and additional health needs.

Ideally you are very interested in special needs and autism to join the very dedicated team of 6 around a young man. He lives at home with his family and dog. His team of Personal assistants / learning support workers / carers help him with his daily life & routine which includes supporting and facilitating access to activities and community, helping him with learning more self-help skills and communication, all of his personal care, providing 1 - 2 overnight support shifts per week (these are waking nights), and keeping his environment and laundry clean & tidy.

He is a friendly, non-verbal, very autistic teenager. He needs help with all elements of daily life. He is developing his communication skills using picture exchange and gestures, such as pointing. When he is well he likes physical activities — like going to the pool, walks in parks, disability bike rides. He needs support with all of these activities as he also has a movement disorder. He also likes to chill with his sister and dog and watch movies and join in family meals.

Unfortunately, he often also needs a lot of care as he can have seizures which lead to him needing to spend time in hospital. He is home educated with a behavioural therapy programme due to his health needs. The programme is overseen by an ABA Consultant.

You will be provided with regular training on his health needs, care needs, and behavioural support. The training is provided by the experienced team members as well as his ABA therapist. You need to be strong and fun as well as reliable to fit into the very professional and young team. Experience with disabled teenagers / children and autism is preferred. Perhaps you have already experience with catheterisation and Peristeen as well as PEG otherwise we can train you.

This might be a good position for someone who has a keen interest in disability, psychology, nursing and the position could suit a part-time student of a relevant field. Unfortunately, we do not think that having worked in a care home would be relevant experience. It is also an opportunity to learn a lot and to be part of a very nice supportive team.

You would need to be willing to commit for a minimum of 12 months. We would prefer someone who can work with a UTR number on a self-employed basis and who can work a minimum of 35 hours per week. We hope to find someone who is open to work some weekends and some bank holidays too (shared with the team).

28 days of paid holidays when working full time (extra paid holidays for every bank holiday worked). Starting wage is £16 per hour (£15 during initial training).

If this role interests you please send your CV and ideally a short cover letter written in your own words explaining your interest in this particular position. It would also help if when you initially apply you write a sentence on why you applied. Later on we will also need 2 relevant work references and a valid enhanced DBS.

Thank you!

Experience: Required

Languages: English – Advanced

Employment: Full-time

Salary: £15 – £16 hourly

Benefits: Bank holiday double rate.