At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a 17-year-old with autism in community activities and build his confidence.
- Company: SDS Options Fife, dedicated to empowering individuals with support needs.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Help a young person thrive while enjoying outdoor activities and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Reliable, understanding, and able to adapt communication styles.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and gain valuable experience in mental health and autism support.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 16 £ per hour.
Overview
Weekly Hours: 8 – 10 hours per week. Working Pattern: Afternoons only. Specific days vary week‑to‑week but will be fixed and agreed one year in advance.
Role
We are looking for a personal care assistant for our client who is a 17-year-old male who would like some support getting out and about to enable his continued independence and engage in his community. Our client is a young autistic man with mental health related difficulties. Your support will enable the client to access his community safely, build confidence, and engage in meaningful activities. This support is crucial, as the client would love to be more involved in his community but finds this difficult without the right support. Your role is to help him safely navigate the world, build social confidence, and engage in the activities he loves—including football, animals, cycling, and the outdoors. Because he often "masks" his difficulties, he needs a proactive PA who can provide close supervision and gentle motivation.
Key Responsibilities
- Community Engagement: Accompany the client to the gym, walking, cycling, and potential volunteering sites.
- Communication Support: Use clear, non-verbal, or simplified communication (he speaks more than he understands).
- Safety & Wellbeing: Provide constant 1:1 supervision and help manage emotional regulation/anxiety in social settings.
- Social Modeling: Help him interpret social cues and encourage kind, positive interactions.
Who We Are Looking For
Personal Qualities: You are reliable, punctual, and emotionally attuned. You understand that consistency is vital for reducing distress.
Communication: You can adapt your style to suit low verbal comprehension and have a great sense of humour.
Active Nature: You are comfortable being outdoors in all weather and are physically able to participate in fitness activities.
Requirements
Essential: PVG membership (or willingness to join), comfortable with animals, available for afternoon shifts.
Desirable: Experience with Autism/ADHD, mental health support, or trauma-informed practice. A driving licence and access to a car is a plus.
How to Apply
To apply for this post please submit a copy of your CV quoting the job reference number above by email recruitment@sdsoptionsfife.org.uk or by post to SDS Options (Fife), DPHS Fife, Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes, Fife, KY6 2AQ.
Personal Assistant - 8-10 Hours Per Week (Afternoons Only) - Dalgety Bay - SDS/NM/340444 employer: Self Direct Support Options Fife
Contact Detail:
Self Direct Support Options Fife Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - 8-10 Hours Per Week (Afternoons Only) - Dalgety Bay - SDS/NM/340444
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and the role inside out! Research their values and mission, especially how they support individuals with autism. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves supporting someone with specific needs, being able to adapt your communication style is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with others in the field through social media or local events. You never know who might have insider info on job openings or can give you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - 8-10 Hours Per Week (Afternoons Only) - Dalgety Bay - SDS/NM/340444
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with young people or those with autism. We want to see how you can support our client’s independence and community engagement.
Show Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is reliable and has a great sense of humour, so share a bit about yourself!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since our client may need that same clarity in interactions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and makes sure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Self Direct Support Options Fife
✨Know Your Client
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of the client you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with autism and mental health challenges, as well as effective communication strategies. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Active Nature
Since the role involves outdoor activities and fitness, be prepared to discuss your own experiences with these. Share examples of how you’ve engaged in similar activities and how you can encourage the client to participate. Highlighting your active lifestyle will resonate well with the job requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Given the need for clear and adaptable communication, think of examples where you've successfully communicated with individuals who have different comprehension levels. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to use humour and simplicity in your communication style during the interview.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Punctuality
Reliability is key in this role, so come prepared with examples that showcase your punctuality and consistency. Discuss any previous roles where you had to maintain a routine or provide support, emphasising how you can create a stable environment for the client.