Personal Assistant - 224307LS

Disability North; South Shields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization is seeking a personal assistant for a cheerful 14-year-old boy in South Shields. The assistant will need to help with wheelchair use, medication management, and provide companionship during activities such as cooking and swimming. The position offers 6 hours per week during school holidays, with pay up to £12.90 per hour, and requires an enhanced DBS check. Ideal candidates will have experience caring for children with disabilities and possess strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience or willingness to provide care for a child with cerebral palsy and associated learning disabilities.
• Must have permission to work in the U.K. at the time of starting employment.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Assist the boy in using a wheelchair and managing transfers.
• Help with medication and ensure correct dosing.
• Support toileting and check for cleanliness.
• Accompany the boy and his mother on outings.
• Provide companionship and supervise activities.

Skills

Experience with children with cerebral palsy

Communication skills

Empathy and patience

Job description

Hours

6 hours per week during school holidays.

Rate of Pay

Age related national minimum wage to £12.90 per hour.

Area

South Shields

Holidays

5.6 weeks per annum (pro rata)

About the Boy

We are in search of a personal assistant for a nearly 14‑year‑old boy who is cheerful, kind, and caring, with a wonderful sense of humour. He resides at home with his mom, dad, and younger brother. He enjoys cooking, swimming, and acting. On Tuesday nights, he participates in a baking class, and his cakes have become quite popular at school! He adores pantomimes and often watches them on his phone, and he is passionate about his music lessons.

He is not fond of loud noises or tomatoes, and he prefers that his brother doesn’t play with him too much. Additionally, he is an exceptional actor. He has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy along with an underlying chromosome disorder. This condition results in muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and a risk of joint fractures. He also faces a learning disability.

Physical and Communication Needs

At home, he moves by pulling himself along the floor and climbing onto the sofa or bed. A stair lift is available for him to navigate the stairs. He strives for as much independence as possible, and his method of moving around the house is encouraged. He communicates verbally and is starting to utilise his Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device. He has shown improvement in maintaining eye contact while interacting with others. He can now form spoken sentences with a broader vocabulary.

Practical Duties

• Assist the boy in using a wheel‑chair and managing a car with a large boot; help with transfers to and from a car with minimal support.
• Help with medication – take his own medication, assist with oral syringes, and ensure correct dosing.
• Support toileting, including checking for cleanliness and assisting with the bar in an accessible toilet if needed.
• Assist the mother in taking the boy out for the day, as it can be a struggle with a toddler and this boy together.
• Provide general companionship and supervise activities such as cooking, swimming, music lessons, and other hobbies.

Requirements

• An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
• Must have permission to work in the U.K. at the time of starting employment.
• Experience or willingness to provide care for a child with cerebral palsy and associated learning disability.

Details

Please note these vacancies are not employed through South Tyneside Council but through the individual service user. This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.