Personal Assistant - CWINCL

Disability North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North is seeking a compassionate Personal Assistant to support Connor, a 13-year-old with autism, in community activities. You must drive and have access to your own vehicle. The role aligns with term-time hours (4 h/week) plus 13 h/week in school holidays, at £16.00 per hour.

Strict safety protocols apply due to feeding via PEG, SPD, and potential dysregulation. A patient, energetic, and vigilant approach will help Connor enjoy safe, engaging experiences with calm support.

Qualifications

• Must have own vehicle and be able to drive in the UK.
• Experience supporting autistic/non-verbal children is beneficial.
• Able to communicate clearly and calmly with the child and family.

Responsibilities

• Safely support Connor to access and enjoy local community activities.
• Follow all care and safety instructions related to Connor's PEG feeding and medical needs.
• Provide patient, energetic, and vigilant engagement with activities suited to Connor's interests.
• Maintain close supervision to ensure safety and well-being at all times.

Skills

Driver license

Patience

Observation skills

Job description

Hours: 4 hours per week term time, 13 hours per week school holidays

Rate of pay: £16.00 per hour

Driver with own vehicle essential

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate, proactive, and reliable Personal Assistant (PA) to support Connor, a lively and energetic 13 year old boy, to safely access and enjoy his local community. Being a driver and having access to your own vehicle is essential for supporting Connor.

Connor is autistic and non verbal, with a joyful and adventurous personality. He enjoys beach walks, shopping for toys and teddies, water play, using his iPad, and playing one to one with a football or ball through throwing or bouncing games.

Connor is small for his age, very active, and quick, which means safety awareness and close supervision are essential. He has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), has no sense of danger, and wears a wrist strap and incontinence pads when out in the community.

Connor has a PEG for feeding. The PA will be required to follow all care and safety instructions related to this.

Connor is sensitive to noise and may become dysregulated in overwhelming situations. This can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviour. He communicates discomfort through clear warning signs and benefits from calm support, space, and reassurance to help him self-regulate.

This role would suit someone who is patient, energetic, and vigilant, with a genuine desire to make a positive difference in a young person’s life. The successful applicant will be able to provide meaningful, respectful, and engaging support while maintaining a calm and consistent approach.

For more information, please see the Job description

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.