PA for child-6 hours/week, 8 in school holiday, £15.00/hr in Pudsey, Kirkstall, Headingley

UKCIL; Pudsey; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A care support service seeks a patient and reliable personal assistant for a 10-year-old boy with Autism and ADHD in Pudsey. The role includes supervising activities and supporting social skills across various locations. Candidates should have experience with similar needs and a calm demeanor. This part-time position offers flexible hours with potential for more during holidays.

Qualifications

• Essential: Knowledge of Autism, ADHD, PDA, and challenging behaviour.
• Calm nature and flat speaking tone.
• Ability to de-escalate dysregulation.

Responsibilities

• Constant supervision in various settings including playground and pool.
• Support independence, life skills, and social well-being.
• Guide verbal and physical engagement to prevent emotional outbursts.

Skills

Knowledge of Autism

Knowledge of ADHD

Knowledge of PDA

Experience with children with Autism and ADHD

Calm nature

Ability to deal with challenging behaviour

Good communicator

Good listener

Job description

Overview

PA for a 10-year-old boy with Autism, ADHD and symptoms of PDA. 6 hours per week in term time and 8 hours per week during school holidays, at £15.00/hr. Location: Pudsey LS28 and local community (e.g., Kirkstall, Headingley). The child attends a school in Meanwood and finishes at 2:00 pm. It is feasible to arrange activities in other areas such as Gravity Trampoline Park in Kirkstall or Village Hotel swimming pool in Headingley. You do not have to pick up the child from school.

The child enjoys Lego, swimming, bouncy castle, trampoline, calculator, playground, soft play, column calculation, and a walk. He has sensory processing difficulties and can become overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments. He may require time in a quiet space or a walk to self-regulate. He can become upset or cry when things are not on his terms, and requires a calm, confident approach to de-escalate heightened situations. When in busy playgrounds, you will guide him verbally and physically to take turns and engage in socially accepted behaviours. If needed, you may guide him to less busy equipment to prevent emotional outbursts. He does not require personal care, but needs consistent reminders for habits such as not picking his nose, washing hands after toilet, etc.

Demand Avoidance means he dislikes praise, and may resist expectations or do the opposite of what is asked. Be mindful not to praise him with phrases like “good boy” or “well done.” He may run toward toilets, hand driers, and lifts when they are in sight, so outside you will need to stay vigilant and prevent unsafe running without prompting. A friendly Labrador is present in the home.

Main duties

• Constant supervision side by side on playground, soft play, trampoline park, swimming pool, other play areas or at home; prompt social rules but do not use praise or rewards.
• Explore a range of activities he will enjoy with you, including visits to buildings with lifts, trampoline, soft play, playground, swimming, etc.
• Support to go to parks together during school holidays (e.g., Stockeld Park).
• Support independence, life skills and social well-being.
• Keep in touch and socialise with family and friends.
• Attend social events such as the cinema.
• These duties may vary from day to day.

Type of person

• Honest, reliable, punctual, non-judgemental, able to build good relationships based on trust and respect, flexible, adaptable, easy-going, able to work alone, positive, willing to travel, understands equality and diversity.

Hours of work

6 hours per week in term time and 8 hours per week during school holidays; more hours may be needed. 2 to 3 times a week. Weekday afternoons from 2:30 pm and weekends.

Skills, qualifications and experience

• Essential: Knowledge of Autism, ADHD, PDA and challenging behaviour; experience of working with children with Autism and ADHD; calm nature and flat speaking tone; ability to deal with challenging behaviour and de-escalate dysregulation.
• List of essential skills, qualifications and experience for PAs: calm nature and flat speaking tone; confidentiality; good at building relationships; good communicator; good listener; ability to support people with challenging behaviour.

Key responsibilities

Services

• Social + Leisure activities
• Support to remain independent

Training

• Essential PA Guide
• Safeguarding Adults/Children
• Understanding challenging behaviour
• First Aid
• Autism / Aspergers

Please apply by clicking above or at ukcil.com