At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide after-school support to a child with Autism and PDA in their home and community.
- Company: Supportive environment focused on neurodiversity and family collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in creative, relationship-based roles.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role that empowers children and promotes independence.
- Qualifications: Experience with PDA and a passion for supporting neurodivergent children.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Hammersmith, London
Hours: After‑school support (weekdays)
Start: As soon as possible
Role: 1:1 Support Worker for a child with ASD and a PDA profile
About the Role
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.
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
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
Ideal Candidate
You will be someone who genuinely enjoys working with neurodivergent children, understands the importance of autonomy and co‑regulation, and can think creatively when traditional approaches don’t work. You’ll be confident, grounded, and able to stay calm under pressure.
PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith employer: Special People
At Special People Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our clients and staff. Our commitment to professional development is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and ongoing support from a dedicated leadership team, ensuring that you can grow in your role as a Care & Support Worker. Located in West London, this position not only provides competitive pay but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while working flexible hours that fit around your life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and mission. This way, you can tailor your responses to show how you fit right in with their vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience with PDA and supporting children aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully supported children with PDA. This will demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of PDA:Make sure to highlight your knowledge of Pathological Demand Avoidance in your application. We want to see how you understand its impact on communication and daily life, so share any relevant experiences or insights!
Be Personal and Relatable:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can build trusting relationships, so a warm and genuine tone will help us see how you connect with others.
Highlight Your Flexibility:Since the role requires a creative and flexible approach, be sure to mention any experiences where you've adapted your strategies to meet individual needs. We love seeing how you think outside the box!
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 ball rolling on your journey with StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Special People
✨Know Your PDA Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance. Familiarise yourself with how it affects communication and daily functioning. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also experienced.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built trusting relationships with children, especially those with neurodivergent profiles. Think about times when you’ve successfully used a low-demand approach or adapted your communication style to meet a child's needs. This will demonstrate your ability to connect and engage effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving anxiety or resistance from a child with PDA. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your calmness, creativity, and flexibility in adapting your approach. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and emotional attunement.
✨Emphasise Collaboration with Families
Since the role involves working closely with families, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with parents or caregivers in the past. Share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively and supported them in promoting their child’s independence. This shows that you value teamwork and understand the importance of a holistic approach.
