SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)
SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)

SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)

Full-Time 13 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support 12-year-old twins with Autism in a calm, relationship-focused environment.
  • Company: Freedom Care, dedicated to meeting diverse client needs for 25 years.
  • Benefits: £18 per hour, mileage compensation, and additional holiday hours available.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive role.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, plus experience with PDA.
  • Other info: Term-time only role with opportunities for growth and training.

The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.

Freedom Care has been supplying staff for 25 years. At Freedom Children's Support Care, we are passionate about meeting the needs of the many different clients we work with. All our services are fine-tuned to meet the needs and requirements of each specific family, child or young person.

We are recruiting two experienced SEN Support Workers to support 12-year-old twin boys with Autism (PDA profile). This is a term-time only role, with additional planned hours during school holidays for short breaks. This work requires a calm, confident, relationship-led approach. You must understand why PDA responses happen and be skilled in supporting autonomy, reducing perceived demands, and helping a child feel emotionally safe.

Location: Bovington and Portland, Dorset

Hours (Term-Time):

  • Tuesday – 9:00am to 4:00pm
  • Wednesday – 9:00am to 4:00pm
  • Friday – 9:00am to 1:00pm

Additional Hours: Planned short break sessions during school holidays (agreed in advance)

Role Overview: You will support each child individually, including morning routines, travel to their alternative provision, time spent at the provision, and community-based activities. The work is grounded in reducing anxiety, supporting co-regulation and building genuine trust.

Essential Requirements:

  • Level 3 minimum in Health & Social Care, Childcare, Education, Youth Work or equivalent
  • Proven experience supporting children with PDA (not just Autism in general)
  • Skilled in PDA-supportive approaches such as:
  • Low-demand communication
  • Collaborative and choice-based negotiation
  • Supporting agency and emotional safety
  • Understanding anxiety-led behaviour patterns
  • Additional relevant training desirable (PACE, PBS, Trauma-Informed Practice, NVR, etc.)
  • Must be a driver with your own vehicle
  • Calm, patient, emotionally regulated and able to build safe, attuned relationships
  • Pay & Mileage:

    • £18.00 per hour for all direct support hours (including travel with the child on board)
    • 45p per mile during support hours
    • Travel to/from the family home:
    • First 30 minutes / 15 miles each way is standard commute
    • Beyond that: £13.70 per hour travel time + 45p per mile

    SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only) employer: Regroup Mass Notification

    Freedom Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing tailored support for children with unique needs, fostering a compassionate and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee growth, we offer ongoing training opportunities and a supportive environment that values relationship-led approaches, making it a rewarding place to work in the beautiful Dorset area. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families while enjoying competitive pay and flexible working hours.
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    Contact Detail:

    Regroup Mass Notification Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)

    Tip Number 1

    Get to know the specific needs of the children you'll be supporting. Research PDA and understand how it affects behaviour. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

    Tip Number 2

    Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about building relationships, think about how you can demonstrate your calm and patient approach in conversations. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable.

    Tip Number 3

    Don’t just rely on your CV; use your interview to share real-life examples of how you've supported children with PDA before. We want to hear your stories and how you’ve made a positive impact!

    Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're keen and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll get updates directly from us about your progress.

    We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)

    Understanding of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
    Experience supporting children with Autism
    Low-demand communication skills
    Collaborative and choice-based negotiation
    Supporting agency and emotional safety
    Understanding anxiety-led behaviour patterns
    Calm and patient demeanour
    Emotional regulation
    Ability to build safe, attuned relationships
    Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Childcare, Education, Youth Work or equivalent
    Proven experience in a similar role
    Driving licence and own vehicle

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with PDA shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your Level 3 qualifications and any specific training related to PDA or autism. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language to explain your experience and approach to supporting children. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon where possible.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Regroup Mass Notification

    Know Your PDA Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children with PDA, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.

    Showcase Your Calm Approach

    During the interview, demonstrate your calm and patient nature. Use examples from your experience where you successfully managed challenging situations with children. This will help the interviewers see that you can maintain emotional regulation, which is crucial for this role.

    Highlight Relationship-Building Skills

    Talk about how you build trust and rapport with children. Share specific instances where you’ve created a safe environment for a child, as this aligns perfectly with the relationship-led approach they’re looking for at Freedom Care.

    Prepare Questions About Their Approach

    Have some thoughtful questions ready about Freedom Care's methods and philosophies regarding supporting children with PDA. This shows your genuine interest in their practices and helps you assess if their values align with yours.

    SEN Support Worker (PDA Aware) – Dorset (Term-Time Only)
    Regroup Mass Notification
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