MPM1440 Personal Assistant

Dewis Centre for Independent Living; Aberdare; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Dewis Centre for Independent Living seeks a personal assistant to support a 15-year-old with autism in the community, boosting social skills and providing respite for parents.

The role is part-time, with 4 hours per week during term time and 10 hours per week in school holidays. You will accompany activities, provide personal care, and help the child stay safe and engaged.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with autistic children.
• Understanding of epilepsy.
• Physically strong to assist with mobility and safety.
• Clear, firm communication style.
• Active and able to keep up with the child.
• Reliable, with good routine adherence.
• Driver with access to a vehicle large enough for wheelchair and frame.

Responsibilities

• Take the child to cinema, swimming, and assist with dressing.
• Provide hands-on support for meals and personal care as needed.
• Ensure child is safe and supervise activities.
• Support emotional regulation and self-help skills.
• Be proactive while encouraging independence and modestly prompting for help.

Skills

Autism experience

Epilepsy understanding

Physical strength

Clear communication

Stamina/endurance

Reliability

Routine adherence

Driving licence

Job description

I am a 15-year-old boy with autism, living with my family in Rhigos. I am

verbal and able to communicate fully. I have a rare degenerative

condition effecting my muscles. I have trouble

regulating my behaviour and have rather acute sensory issues. I also

have some mobility issues and can get tired easily. Likes rubber ducks

and mickey mouse. Playing with my brother, watching TV and spending

time on my iPad, but I don’t like soft play centres as I can’t use them fully

due to mobility issues.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

My parents are looking to employ a personal assistant to take me out in the community to develop my social skills as well as giving them some respite.

HOURS OF WORK

4 hours per week Term Time / 10 hours per week School Holidays.

RATES OF PAY

£14.50 per hour.

TASKS CAN INCLUDE

• Taking me to the cinema
• Taking me swimming and support with dressing
• Providing hands on support for me to eat
• Ensuring I am always safe
• Encouraging with my self-help skills - emotional regulation
• Stepping in to help me with various things; although I try to be independent, I literally cannot achieve some tasks unless I’m helped, but can be stubborn to ask for the help I need
• Helping me with my splints
• Some personal care also required due to incontinence

TYPE OF PERSON REQUIRED

• Experience of working with autistic children
• Someone who has worked with and understands epilepsy
• Physically strong person as I can use my body weight in confrontation
• Firm and direct with communication
• Someone who will is active and able to keep up with me
• Someone who will be sensitive to my needs
• Someone who will be reliable as I like routine
• A driver with access to a vehicle large enough to fit my wheelchair and walking frame

ABOUT THE JOB

This position is subject to satisfactory references and a DBS Disclosure (Police Check), which must be completed prior to the commencement of employment. The cost of this check will be covered by the Local Authority.

All necessary checks will be conducted to verify that any candidate has the legal right to work in the UK before employment begins.

Although this is a part-time role, it is a legitimate position requiring the submission of a National Insurance number. Employment will commence under an initial trial period.

Wages will be paid on a monthly basis and appropriate holiday pay will be provided.

Please note: Dewis Centre for Independent Living is acting on behalf of a third party and will not serve as your employer or be liable for any issues arising from your employment should you be offered the position.