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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Special People, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Special People. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Special People's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Special People. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Special People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Special People
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Special People.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith at Special People.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Special People that you're ready to hit the ground running in the PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith role.
