At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a non-verbal autistic child in social activities and promote independence.
- Company: Family looking for a caring and reliable personal assistant.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, rewarding experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: 6 hours per week during school holidays, with flexible scheduling.
- Why this job: Join a supportive family and help a child thrive in their community.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare or special needs, with a caring and patient attitude.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 16000 £ per year.
About the Role
Support a non‑verbal autistic daughter with 1‑to‑1 assistance during school holidays, facilitating access to community social activities, promoting independence, and ensuring safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Support and/or prompt the child to participate in sporting and leisure activities.
- Encourage socialisation and participation in group activities.
- Promote friendships and independence.
- Develop a trusting one‑to‑one relationship.
- Assist with personal care when required.
- Transport the child to activities using own vehicle (car driver preferred, business insurance required). If unable to drive, alternate arrangements will be made.
- Report any accidents, defects or hazards to the employer immediately.
- Adapt tasks daily to the child's needs and the employer's schedule.
Required Skills and Experience
- Honest, reliable, trustworthy, punctual.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy; no inappropriate use of social media.
- Ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately.
- Patient, supportive and caring; good listening skills and non‑judgemental support.
- Empathy and a lively personality.
- Previous experience in childcare or special needs essential.
- Self‑motivated, flexible and willing to get involved.
- Car ownership beneficial; valid driving licence and business insurance required if driving.
- Willing to obtain a satisfactory DBS disclosure at employer expense.
Hours and Availability
6 hours per week during school holidays (approximately 13 weeks per year). Day and time flexible and agreed each week in advance.
Transport Requirement
Car driver preferred but not essential; if driving, must have a valid licence and business insurance.
Employer and Child Details
Family employer with a 9‑year‑old daughter who has autism (ASD). She is non‑verbal but can communicate with a few words or gestures. She enjoys outdoor activities, swimming, walking, and sensory play. She requires adult supervision, especially in loud or busy environments.
Personal Assistant in Washington employer: Penderels Trust
As a Personal Assistant for a family with a non-verbal autistic daughter, you will find a rewarding and meaningful role that prioritises empathy, patience, and support. The work culture is built on trust and respect, allowing you to foster a strong one-to-one relationship while promoting independence and socialisation for the child. With flexible hours during school holidays and the opportunity to engage in enriching activities, this position offers a unique chance to make a positive impact in a child's life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant in Washington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the family before the interview! Research their background and understand their needs. This will help us tailor our approach and show that we genuinely care about supporting their daughter.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves working with a non-verbal child, being able to express yourself clearly and empathetically is key. We can even role-play scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your flexibility! Highlight any past experiences where you adapted to changing situations or needs. This will demonstrate to the family that we can handle whatever comes our way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you message can go a long way in showing our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps us fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant in Washington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with children, especially those with special needs, and show us how you can support our daughter in her activities.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about helping others. Share why you’re interested in this role and how you can contribute to promoting independence and socialisation for our daughter.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re detail-oriented and serious about the position. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penderels Trust
✨Know the Child's Needs
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of a non-verbal autistic child. Familiarise yourself with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how it affects communication and socialisation. This will show your potential employer that you are genuinely interested and prepared to support their daughter.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've shown empathy and patience in previous roles, especially in childcare or special needs settings. Highlight situations where you successfully built trust and rapport with children, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Flexibility and Adaptability
Make sure to emphasise your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and schedules. The job requires flexibility, so share instances where you've had to adjust your plans or approach to meet a child's needs or respond to unexpected situations.
✨Highlight Your Transport Readiness
If you own a car and have a valid driving licence, mention this during the interview. Discuss your willingness to transport the child to activities and ensure you have business insurance if required. If you don’t drive, be prepared to discuss alternative arrangements you can make to fulfil this aspect of the role.
