Personal care assistant in Maidstone

We are looking for a kind, patient, reliable and experienced female Personal Assistant to support our wonderful 10-year-old autistic daughter, both within our home and accessing social opportunities within the community. She is a creative, funny and intelligent young person who loves gymnastics, drawing, Minecraft, swimming, YouTube, animals and spending time with people she feels comfortable with. Due to a period of autistic burnout and significant social anxiety, she is currently unable to attend school and has become increasingly isolated from her community and peers. We are seeking someone who can build a trusting relationship with her and gently support her to reconnect with the activities, interests and experiences she enjoys, at a pace that feels safe and achievable for her.

The Role

• Identify and access local social activities and hobbies
• Take part in and try new things through motivation and encouragement
• Develop social skills and emotional regulation strategies
• Rebuild confidence in social situations
• Develop independence and life skills
• Explore new interests while respecting her individual needs
• Engage in enjoyable, low-pressure activities both at home and in the community
• Build positive experiences and connections outside the family home
• Reduce anxiety through predictability, flexibility and co-regulation

The successful candidate will understand that relationship-building comes first and progress may look different from traditional expectations.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience supporting autistic children or young people
• Good understanding of autism, demand avoidant profiles, sensory processing difference and emotional regulation
• Patient, flexible, creative and emotionally attuned – can adapt to our child’s needs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable and honest
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication with us and our child, maintaining confidentiality
• Always ensuring the safety of our child
• ‘Gender is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with Paragraph 1 of the schedule 9 of the equality act 2010’ for a female worker to work with our child
• Non-smoker
• Enhanced DBS and right to work checks will be completed prior to appointment
• References will be requested prior to appointment

Other Requirements for applicant

• Be willing to undertake Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
• Ideally a qualification in health and social care, childcare or autism or a background in SEN, education, psychology or youth work
• Imagination in relation to activities to undertake
• Good sense of humour
• Can work in a neuro-affirming and strengths-based way

Location – Loose, Maidstone

Number of PA roles available - One

Pay - £12.71 per hour (funded by Direct Payments)

Hours - Term Time – 4 hours, Non-Term Time - 8 hours – days and times to be agreed – some flexibility may be required to accommodate activities, appointments and the young person’s needs

This is the chance to make a meaningful difference to the life of a young person who has enormous potential but currently needs the right support to help her re-engage with the world around her. We are looking for someone who values connection over compliance, understands that trust takes time and can celebrate small steps as significant achievements.

To Apply: Please send:

• CV outlining relevant experience
• Brief covering statement explaining your experience supporting autistic children/young people
• Details of any relevant qualifications, training or certificates

We welcome applications from experienced Personal Assistants, Teaching Assistants, SEND professionals, youth workers, support workers, play therapists and others with relevant autism experience.