PA Wanted to a Support Young Adult (Weekend days / college holiday days Initially)

Independent Lives; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives in East Grinstead is seeking a caring Personal Assistant to support a 19-year-old son with autism and developmental delays. The role is part-time, on-site, with hours to cover weekends and college holidays.

You will provide 1:1 support, help with daily activities, and participate in community outings as needed. Role includes personal care, feeding support (gastostomy), and ensuring safety and engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with autism or developmental disabilities is beneficial.
• Must be comfortable assisting with personal care and feeding where required.
• Ability to work on weekends and college holiday days.

Responsibilities

• Eating and drinking assistance
• Moving and handling
• Transportation
• Bathroom assistance
• Medication prompting/administering
• Other relevant duties as required

Skills

1:1 support

Autism experience

Patience

Reliability

Job description

PA Wanted to a Support Young Adult (Weekend days / college holiday days Initially)

Ref: DP7122

Company: Independent Lives

Salary: from £15 an hour

Hours: Part-time

Job type: Permanent

Working pattern: On-site

Location: East Grinstead

Posting date: 3 Nov 2026

Closing date: 3 Dec 2026

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Details

This role is to support a Man

Drivers licence required: Preferred

Employment status: Employed or Self-employed

Hours per week: Ad hoc hours (TBD)

Potential for ongoing overnights (in own home) depending on suitability and availability – if viable this can be discussed, but it is not essential at this stage

Hourly pay rate: £15 per hour

We are looking for a caring, patient and reliable Personal Assistant to support our 19-year-old son when he is not attending college. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys helping others, building trust and making a positive difference to a young person’s day.

He has autism, global developmental delay and high sensory needs. He is a wheelchair user and requires 1:1 support throughout the day to help him stay safe, calm, regulated and engaged. He enjoys getting out and about and taking part in activities, so we are looking for someone who can support him to have enjoyable and meaningful experiences both at home and in the community.

The role will include supporting with activities, managing transitions and helping him remain calm when he becomes overwhelmed. You will also provide support with personal care, including eating and drinking, as he is unable to feed himself. He has a gastrostomy for fluids and occasional top-up feeds, and full training and guidance can be provided.

Community outings may involve using our wheelchair-accessible Ford Transit Custom, although driving is not essential. Activities could include local outings, train trips from East Grinstead or other activities that do not require a car. He can assist with standing transfers when needed.

We are looking for someone who is warm, dependable, patient and genuinely caring. Experience with autism, developmental disabilities, sensory needs or personal care would be beneficial, but the right attitude and willingness to learn are just as important.

You will work closely with us as parents to ensure a consistent and supportive approach. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to a young person’s life, we would love to hear from you.

Duties

• Eating and drinking assistance
• Moving and handling
• Other relevant duties as required
• Transportation
• Bathroom assistance
• Medication prompting/administering

Candidate qualities

• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Hygienic, tidy and well organised
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• Patient, calm and responsive
• Comfortable supporting a young person with additional needs
• Has experience in care/support roles
• Willing to learn and follow guidance around his needs
• Reliable and able to build a trusting relationship with him

Additional requirements

Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

Notes

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.

If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.