At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a SEN child in social activities and promote independence at home.
- Company: Join a caring family environment focused on child development.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and holiday pay.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for supporting their growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal development.
Location of Role: Aylesford, ME20 7GU
Description / Details of the Role:
To assist my SEN child to access social activities in the community whilst also increasing their independence. To provide support and assistance to my child at home before or after school (which may include some personal care).
Key tasks:
- Home-Based Support (Term-Time, After School)
- Provide supervision and companionship at home after school (starting around 4pm, 2 days per week).
- Assist with winding down after school, including snacks, homework support (if applicable), or calming activities.
- Support with personal care tasks as needed (e.g., hygiene, toileting, dressing).
- Encourage and model life skills such as tidying up, organizing school materials, or preparing a simple snack.
- Maintain a calm, positive environment that suits your child’s sensory and emotional needs.
- Ensure consistency with routines and strategies used at school or by therapists.
- Community Access Social Activities (All Year, Especially Holidays)
- Plan and accompany your child to social and recreational activities (e.g., swimming, soft play, library, park visits).
- Support your child in interacting with peers and the public in a safe, supported way.
- Promote independence by encouraging your child to make choices and participate in activities (e.g., ordering at a café, choosing play equipment).
- Monitor and manage any sensory, behavioural, or safety needs while out and about.
- Provide transport if required (or assist with public transport).
- Developmental Emotional Support
- Work in partnership with you to understand and support your child’s communication style, sensory profile, and emotional regulation.
- Use positive reinforcement and gentle prompts to encourage confidence, independence, and skill-building.
- Adapt support based on your child’s mood, energy levels, and preferences on the day.
- Flexibility Communication
- Be flexible with working days/times as needed (within agreed hours) requires flexibility in the evenings and at weekends.
- Communicate regularly and clearly with you about how sessions went, any concerns or achievements.
- Be open to learning about your child’s needs and how best to support them.
Hourly rate of pay: £12.21 (Direct Payments from KCC) + holiday pay.
Hours available: 5 hours term time. 10 hours on holidays.
An enhanced DBS for working with children will be required, which we will arrange for you.
Please note that this advert has been placed on behalf of one of our customers. Should your application be successful and you are offered the position, you will be directly employed by the customer and not by PeoplePlus.
Contact Detail:
People Plus Independent Living Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and the role inside out! Research their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, or join relevant groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions and role-specific scenarios. Role-play with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Personal Care Assistant. We want to see how you can support our SEN child in both home and community settings.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be sure to mention your availability clearly. We appreciate candidates who can adapt to different schedules, especially evenings and weekends.
Highlight Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated with children or parents in the past. We’re looking for someone who can keep us updated on the child's progress and any concerns.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the process rolling. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Plus Independent Living Services
✨Know Your Child's Needs
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of the child you'll be assisting. Familiarise yourself with common SEN challenges and how to support them effectively. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be ready to discuss your availability openly. Share examples from your past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or needs, highlighting your willingness to accommodate the family's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you would communicate with both the child and their parents. Bring up strategies you've used in the past to ensure clear and supportive interactions, especially when it comes to emotional regulation and feedback.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Activities
Think about activities you can plan that align with the child's interests and developmental goals. Be ready to share ideas for outings or home-based activities that promote independence and social interaction, demonstrating your proactive approach to the role.