At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide after-school support to a child with Autism and PDA in their home and community.
- Company: Special People Ltd, an inclusive employer dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to professional development and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with PDA and a warm, patient communication style.
The predicted salary is between 15.5 - 15.5 £ per hour.
We are looking for a skilled, calm, and relationship‑led Support Worker to work with a child with Autism and a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile.
The role involves providing consistent after‑school support in the family home and local community.
This position requires someone who understands the unique presentation of PDA and can work flexibly, creatively, and collaboratively with the child and their family.
- Locations
- Shifts
- Pay/Rate
- Hammersmith, London
- After‑school support (weekdays)
- £14.80 – £15.50 per hour (varies by assignment and experience)
Key Responsibilities
- Provide after‑school support in the home and community
- Build a trusting, respectful relationship with the child
- Use low‑arousal, low‑demand strategies to reduce anxiety
- Support emotional regulation and engagement through preferred activities
- Work collaboratively with parents and the wider team
- Promote independence at the child’s pace
- Maintain clear, professional boundaries and safeguarding standards
Benefits
- Enhanced bank holiday rate.
- Full training and development opportunities.
- Ongoing support from a friendly, committed leadership team.
- Professional development and industry‑leading training.
- Supportive, inclusive team environment.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Pension scheme.
Essential Requirements
- Strong understanding of PDA and how it impacts communication, anxiety, and daily functioning
- Previous experience supporting children or young people with a PDA profile
- Ability to use a relationship‑based, low‑demand approach
- Confidence in adapting expectations, offering choices, and reducing perceived pressure
- Warm, patient, and emotionally attuned communication style
- Ability to build trust gradually and respectfully
- Reliability and consistency
All offers are subject to Enhanced DBS checking and satisfactory references in line with government regulations and recruitment best practices.
Special People Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Where a client's dignity requires same‑sex personal care, we apply a genuine occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9(1)).
PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith in London employer: Special People
Special People Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with unique needs. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, as well as a friendly leadership team, employees can expect to grow professionally while enjoying competitive pay rates and enhanced benefits. Working in Hammersmith allows for meaningful community engagement, making this role not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
