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- Tasks: Support a child with additional needs in daily activities and emotional regulation.
- Company: A caring family on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, passionate about outdoor activities.
- Benefits: £13.00 per hour, flexible hours, annual leave, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while enjoying nature and family time.
- Qualifications: Experience with additional needs, good communication skills, and a compassionate attitude.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and additional hours during school holidays.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 15 £ per hour.
To assist with the care of a child with additional needs. We are a family of four living on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, 15 minutes from Diss. We enjoy spending time outdoors, including walking, visiting parks and being around nature and animals. Our son has severe autism, and we are seeking a personal assistant with previous relevant experience to support him in all aspects of his care. This role will at times involve providing 1:1 support. We are looking for someone who is kind, calm, patient, and reliable, and who will actively encourage and support our son’s development in a positive and respectful way. Confidentiality is essential. The successful candidate must respect our family's right to privacy, dignity and respect, and understand the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries within a family home. Mobile phone use during working hours is not permitted, except in emergencies or for necessary communication with me.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Supporting our son while out and about, including in the community, on walks and at parks
- Supporting our son within the home environment
- Engaging in play and activities that encourage learning, development and enjoyment
- Providing calm and patient support with emotional regulation and transitions when needed
- Assisting with basic personal care, including toileting (he is toilet trained but may require support at times)
- Assisting with food and drink requirements, following guidance provided
- Supporting safety and wellbeing during all activities
- Working in line with established routines and strategies, under parental guidance
- Communicating any relevant information or concerns to me as needed
- Demonstrating compassion, empathy and respect for our son's individual needs
Qualifications
- Good communication skills
- Ability to structure play and educational experiences
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Organised
- Able to work alone
- Ability to deal with aggressive behaviours
- Physically able to run after my son in the event that he runs off
- Experience dealing with additional needs
- Good standard of English
- Driver
Desirable Criteria
- Makaton
- PECS
- Experience of autism or working with a child with additional needs
Hours, Days and Times of Work
4 hours per week during term time. 8 hours per week during school holidays – to be arranged and used flexibly. There is a possibility of additional hours in longer holidays.
Pay and Benefits
Pay rate: £13.00 per hour. Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement). Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role. Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
Post Requirements
- Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position. If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
- References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed.
- Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
Personal Assistant (5239) in Diss employer: Suffolk Independent Living
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Independent Living Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (5239) in Diss
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the family and their needs before the interview. Research autism and how to support children with additional needs. This shows you care and are genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Being able to express yourself clearly and listen actively is key. Think about examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your empathy and patience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, like emotional regulation or transitions. Prepare some strategies you’ve used before that worked well, so you can show you’re proactive and resourceful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality and why you’d be a great fit for the family.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (5239) in Diss
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with children who have additional needs. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Personal and Genuine: This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we’re looking for someone who can connect with our son. Use your application to show your personality and how you embody the qualities we value, like kindness and patience.
Follow the Guidelines: Make sure to read through the job description carefully and address each of the criteria listed. We appreciate it when applicants take the time to tailor their applications to what we’re specifically looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Independent Living
✨Know the Family and Their Needs
Before your interview, take some time to understand the family's background and their son's specific needs. Familiarise yourself with autism and how it affects behaviour. This will show that you are genuinely interested and prepared to provide the right support.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in dealing with children with additional needs. Talk about situations where you successfully managed emotional regulation or provided 1:1 support, as this will resonate well with the family.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Empathy
During the interview, convey your calm and patient nature. You might even want to discuss techniques you use to remain composed in challenging situations. This will reassure the family that you can handle the demands of the role with kindness and understanding.
✨Respect Privacy and Professional Boundaries
Make sure to express your understanding of the importance of confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries within a family home. Share how you would approach communication with the family and ensure their privacy is respected at all times.