DPPA/CLJ/102084 - Personal Assistant

Ceredigion County Council Direct Payment Support Service; Glynarthen; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Ceredigion County Council Direct Payment Support Service is seeking a Personal Assistant to support a secondary school-aged girl in a home-based setting with occasional community activities. The role involves one-to-one support to promote engagement, safety, and wellbeing, with sessions after school during term time and two five-hour sessions per week during school holidays.

Experience with non-verbal or developmental delay would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people or adults with additional support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals who communicate using AAC or alternative communication.
• Understanding safeguarding and promoting welfare of children.
• Ability to supervise safely in varied environments.
• Patient, compassionate and supportive approach.

Responsibilities

• Encourage relaxation after school and engage in meaningful activities at home.
• Accompany and support attendance to activities and hobbies matched to needs.
• Provide close supervision and ensure safety due to limited danger awareness.
• Assist with mobility and changing clothing while preserving dignity.
• Encourage participation in social and community activities.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship and foster independence where possible.
• Communicate effectively using the child's preferred method.

Skills

Experience with additional support

Safeguarding awareness

Communication skills

Independence and initiative

Reliability and punctuality

Education

Qualifications in health and social care / childcare

Job description

Company: Ceredigion County Council Direct Payment Support Service

Hours of work: 4hrs a week in term time and 10hrs a week during school holidays

Rate of pay £15.50 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable, caring, and proactive Personal Assistant to support a kind and cheerful secondary school-aged girl. The successful candidate will help her access and take part in a range of social and recreational activities at home and community-based suited to her interests and physical abilities.

The role will be based mainly in her home, with occasional outings. During term time, the hours will be arranged as one-hour sessions after school. During school holidays, the hours will be worked as two five-hour sessions per week.

Previous experience of supporting a non-verbal individual or someone with developmental delay would be advantageous.

The role involves providing one-to-one support to promote engagement, enjoyment, and wellbeing while always ensuring her safety and comfort.

Key Responsibilities

• Encourage relaxation after school
• Engage in meaningful and fun activities at home
• Accompany and support her to attend activities, hobbies, and interests appropriate to their age, preferences, and physical needs.
• Provide close supervision and always maintain her safety due to a lack of awareness of danger.
• Support her with mobility when required, including assistance when walking due to poor balance.
• Assist with changing clothing before and after activities as needed, while maintaining her dignity and privacy.
• Encourage participation in social, recreational, and community activities.
• Build a positive and trusting relationship with her, encouraging confidence and independence where appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with her using her preferred method of communication.
• Follow guidance and instructions provided by parents/carers regarding the child's care, routines, and support needs.
• Monitor her wellbeing during activities and respond appropriately to any concerns or changing needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect of her rights, dignity, and individuality at all times.

Person SpecificationEssential Criteria

• Experience working with children, young people, or adults with additional support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals who communicate using alternative or augmentative communication methods.
• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Ability to provide consistent supervision and ensure safety in a range of environments.
• Patient, compassionate, and supportive approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and punctual.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience supporting individuals with physical disabilities, mobility difficulties, or balance issues.
• Knowledge or experience of alternative communication systems such as visual supports, communication aids, symbols, signing, or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
• Relevant qualifications in health and social care, childcare, special educational needs, or a related field.

Skills and Qualities

• Empathy and understanding.
• Strong observational skills and attention to safety.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to encourage participation and engagement in activities.
• Respect for diversity and individual needs.
• Professional and positive attitude.

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of an individual employer. You will be employed by that individual and not Ceredigion County Council. This appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, which will incur no cost to the applicant. If you have an online update DBS you have a great chance of becoming shortlisted for this position as this can help the employer to recruit much quicker, if you wish to update your current DBS please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service. If requested by the employer, two satisfactory references must be provided. This post is subject to a trial period of 1 month and a probationary period of up to 6 months. Wages will be paid in arrears on a 4 weekly basis once a valid National Insurance (NI) number has been provided. You must be eligible to work in the UK and your employer will conduct document checks prior to commencement. You will receive the appropriate annual leave entitlement as well as all other statutory entitlements, details of which will be set out in your contract of employment. You will also be issued with a Personal Assistants Handbook when your employment commences. You will be expected to undertake any mandatory training identified as relevant to this post. The cost of mandatory training will be met through the direct payment. Failure to attend mandatory training may result in your employment offer being withdrawn. Please note the Direct Payments Support Service, Ceredigion County Council is advertising the following posts on behalf of an individual employer. You will be an employee of the Direct Payment Recipient and not of Ceredigion County Council.

To be discussed at the Interview / Next stage – Competitive rate (dependent on experience)