Community/Social Support - 02/Tarb/BJ

Ayrshire Independent Living Network; Tarbolton; On-site; GBP 15,286 - 21,771; Part time

Job summary

Ayrshire Independent Living Network is looking for a compassionate Personal Assistant (PA) in Tarbolton to provide community and social support for an 8-year-old boy with Autism. This part-time role involves supporting the child during outings, using Makaton for communication, ensuring safety, and fostering social interaction. Ideal candidates will have experience with Autism and a patient, caring approach. The position offers a flexible schedule, requires an Enhanced DBS check, and is perfect for someone with Special Educational Needs experience.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with Autism, communication difficulties, or additional needs.
• Ability to use or willingness to learn Makaton and visual supports.
• Patience and empathy in a child-centered approach.
• Excellent awareness of safety and risk.
• Willingness to assist with mobility needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support during community outings.
• Use Makaton and visuals to aid communication.
• Ensure the child's safety at all times.
• Encourage social interaction and confidence development.
• Follow guidance provided by the parent.

Skills

Experience with Autism

Knowledge of Makaton

Child-centered approach

Safety awareness

Reliability

Job description

Job Title: Personal Assistant (PA) – Community/Social Support for Child with Additional Needs

Location: Tarbolton

Hours: 3 hours per week (52 weeks per year)

Rate of Pay: £13.45 per hour

About The Role

We are looking for a compassionate and patient Personal Assistant (PA) to support an 8-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of Autism and social and communication difficulties. He is on the waiting list for an ADHD diagnosis and has a condition called PICA, which means he may try to eat non-food items. He has limited verbal communication and uses Makaton signs, gestures, and visuals to express his needs and feelings. The young person requires constant supervision due to a complete lack of danger awareness and a tendency to leave the home unsupervised if doors or windows are left unlocked. Support is especially important when out in the community, where he relies on the use of reins or a wheelchair to stay safe.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to the young person during community-based outings (e.g., local park, soft play, walks, or suitable activities).
• Use Makaton, gestures, and visuals to aid communication and encourage interaction.
• Help him stay engaged and focused during activities, offering reassurance and redirection as needed.
• Ensure his safety at all times, especially in public settings – he requires constant supervision and a high level of vigilance.
• Encourage social interaction and support him in developing his confidence and communication.
• Follow guidance and routines provided by his parent to ensure consistency and security.

Key Requirements

• Experience working with children with Autism, communication difficulties, and/or additional needs.
• Ability to use or willingness to learn Makaton and visual supports.
• Patience, empathy, and a calm, child-centred approach.
• Excellent awareness of safety and risk, particularly with children who have no awareness of danger.
• Willingness to assist with the person’s mobility needs, including use of reins or wheelchair during outings.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to build trust with both the child and his family.
• Enhanced DBS check and references required prior to start.

Additional Information

This is a flexible, part-time role ideal for someone with SEN experience or training. You will be supporting the child in community/social settings, giving his parent some respite and giving him the opportunity to enjoy new experiences safely.