At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a joyful 12-year-old with autism through engaging activities and personal care.
- Company: Friendly family in Ashford, Surrey looking for a caring Personal Assistant.
- Benefits: Access to discounts, mental health support, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Join a supportive family environment and help foster growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while enjoying a rewarding experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic children and a warm, patient personality.
Location: Ashford, Surrey (family home and surrounding areas)
Hours: 10 hours per week (flexible). Predominantly Saturdays during term time, with additional weekday support during school holidays. Occasional after-school hours may also be available.
About The Role: We are a friendly family seeking a caring, reliable and proactive Personal Assistant (PA) to support our 12‑year‑old daughter, who is autistic and attends a specialist autism school in Leatherhead. She is pre‑verbal, but responds well to visuals and simple instructions, and thrives with structured, supportive engagement. This is a rewarding and evolving role that will involve both home‑based and community support. You’ll help with personal care tasks including dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, and feeding, as well as encouraging play, learning and safe exploration both at home and out and about.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing supervision and safety awareness (our daughter has limited sense of danger)
- Supporting personal care routines (with sensitivity as her independence develops)
- Facilitating play and creative activities (drawing, building toys, imaginative play)
- Accompanying her on local trips and helping her engage with the community
- Supporting communication using visuals and structured guidance
- Encouraging gentle learning progress at home (e.g., reading, communication skills)
About You:
- Experience supporting autistic children, especially in specialist settings, is ideal
- A warm, patient and engaging personality is essential
- Confident working 1:1 with a child who has complex needs
- Driver with own vehicle (preferred but not essential)
Our daughter is a joyful, curious young girl with an infectious personality. While she can experience moments of distress due to anxiety, she responds positively to calm, consistent support and someone who can help her thrive in her environment. We also have a 14‑year‑old daughter and hope to welcome a PA into our home as part of the wider family.
Benefits:
- Eligibility to sign up for the Blue Light Card for only £4.99 which gives you access to a large range of discounts across retail, leisure, and other services at companies nationwide
- Counselling helpline, legal helpline and personal financial support
- Shopping discounts platform
- My Mind Pal mental health app subscription
Autism Support Worker Required for pre-verbal 12-Year-Old (Ref. 010220) in Ashford employer: Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC)
Join a compassionate family in Ashford, Surrey, as an Autism Support Worker, where you will play a vital role in nurturing and supporting a joyful 12-year-old girl with autism. This rewarding position offers flexible hours, a supportive work culture, and unique benefits such as access to the Blue Light Card for discounts, mental health resources, and personal financial support, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a child's life while enjoying a sense of community and belonging.
Contact Details:
Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Support Worker Required for pre-verbal 12-Year-Old (Ref. 010220) in Ashford
✨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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC), 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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC). 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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC)'s website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Support Worker Required for pre-verbal 12-Year-Old (Ref. 010220) in Ashford
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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC). 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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC).
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC)
✨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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC).
✨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 Autism Support Worker Required for pre-verbal 12-Year-Old (Ref. 010220) at Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC).
✨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 Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC) that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Autism Support Worker Required for pre-verbal 12-Year-Old (Ref. 010220) role.
