Personal Assistant – LSNCL

Disability North; Scotswood; On-site; CAD 14,194,000 - 14,710,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North in Scotswood, Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a part-time support worker to assist Leon, a young man with significant needs, on a 1:1 basis during school holidays. The role requires a calm, confident, and fair individual who can engage Leon through his interests and routines.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate patience, consistency, and experience with autism and learning difficulties, while applying positive behaviour support to manage challenging situations.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with severe learning difficulties and autism.
• Ability to use positive behaviour support and manage challenging behaviour without confrontation.
• Confident, calm and fair approach in a 1:1 setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to Leon in daily activities and outings.
• Assist in communication and routines while respecting Leon's needs and preferences.

Skills

Patience

Calm demeanor

Consistency

Positive behaviour support

Job description

Hours: 8 hours per week in the school holidays

Rate of pay: £13.35 per hour

Location: Scotswood, Newcastle upon Tyne

I’m looking for the right person to support my son, Leon, not just anyone, but someone who truly appreciates him for who he is

Leon is a young man with a wicked sense of humour and a very strong personality. He will absolutely test the waters, and if he senses fear or uncertainty, he will take advantage, so confidence is key. That said, if you’re calm, consistent, and fair, Leon responds beautifully. He needs someone firm but kind, with a good sense of humour and the ability to laugh things off rather than escape them.

Leon is much better suited to a 1 to 1 environment. He does not enjoy groups or loud, boisterous people. He thrives with someone who is calm, steady, and not rushed, who doesn’t talk too loudly and knows when to give space.

Leon has:

• Severe learning difficulties
• Autism
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Hypermobility
• 15q13.3 microdeletion

Too much walking makes him very tired, and when he’s tired or overstimulated, his behaviour can become challenging. In busy or crowded places, he always wears ear defenders, and if things become too much, he may sit or lie down and refuse to move. This isn’t defiance, it’s communication.

Leon does not respond well to being told off. It makes him feel guilt and shame, which can escape... He needs someone who understands positive behaviour support and can manage challenging behaviour without confrontation.

Getting to know Leon means sharing in the things that bring him joy:

• Talking endlessly about his dogs (he loves dogs!)
• Cinema trips
• Edinburgh Zoo
• York Train Museum
• Lightwater Valley
• Rebound therapy
• Being out and about at his own pace
• Disney & Pixar films
• Lilidorei and Alnwick Gardens
• Crazy golf
• Pizza Hut
• Hydrotherapy pools
• Sensory rooms
• Gaming

For more information, please see the Job Description

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.