Personal Support Carer (5250) in Stowmarket

Personal Support Carer for Non-Speaking Child with Additional Needs required in Suffolk nr Stowmarket. 2x 4-hour sessions per month term time and up to 15 hours available per week in school holidays. £12.21 per hour.

Job purpose: We are seeking a kind, patient and intuitive carer to support J, a young child with complex developmental needs. This role is about relationship first: building trust, understanding J’s communication, and supporting him to feel safe, regulated and engaged. Initially, support will take place within the family home, focusing on play, sensory activities, and shared routines. As trust and confidence grow (for both J and the carer), this may gradually extend to short outings and community-based activities. This is not a “hands-off” role – J is physically active and needs close supervision – but it is also not about control or compliance. We are looking for someone who understands that behaviour is communication, and who can respond with calm, curiosity and care.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 support tailored to J’s individual needs.
• Personal care, including nappy changing.
• Preparing meals.
• Using Pecs to communicate; if the successful candidate can sign, this would be desirable for this role.
• Build a trusting, consistent relationship with J over time.
• Occasionally accompany the family on outings.
• Support emotional regulation through play, sensory activities and movement.
• Follow visual supports, routines and communication strategies used at home and school.
• Encourage engagement, independence and confidence at J’s pace.
• Ensure J’s safety at all times, particularly during physical play or transitions.
• Communicate clearly and honestly with parents about sessions, progress and any concerns.
• Keep a written record for parents to view at the end of the day.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.

Personal Specification (refer to these when submitting your application):

Essential Criteria:

• Kind, warm and genuinely empathetic.
• Good oral communication skills.
• Patient and emotionally attuned – able to stay calm during dysregulation.
• Intuitive and observant, able to read non-verbal communication.
• Physically fit and energetic, comfortable with active play and movement.
• Reliable and consistent – J thrives on predictability.
• Respectful of family values and routines.
• Experience with autism, neurodivergence or additional needs is welcome but not essential – the right person matters more than formal qualifications.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience supporting children with SEND age 4-10.
• Understanding of sensory processing differences.
• Familiarity with visual supports, routines or alternative communication methods.
• Background in care, education, playwork, youth work or similar.

Training & Support:

• Full induction provided by parents.
• Ongoing guidance and collaboration.
• Opportunity to develop specialist experience in neurodivergent support.

Summary terms and conditions:

• Hours, days and times of work: 2x 4-hour sessions per month term time to be worked at the weekends (flexible days and times) and up to 15 hours available per week in school holidays (typically 3 weekdays 5 hours per day - flexible days but Wednesdays are required).
• Pay rate: £12.21 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.
• The post is subject to the following Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
• 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.

How to apply: If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form and return it to SIL, quoting the job reference number 5250. When applying for this role, please send a short paragraph about why the role appeals to you and your availability.

Online form: https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/application-form-1

Email: suffolk@silmail.org

Telephone: 01473 603876

Post - Address: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD