Personal Assistant, DP/AG07

Warrington Disability Partnership; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A support organization in Grappenhall is seeking a dedicated Personal Assistant (PA) for a loving 7-year-old child with learning disabilities. The ideal candidate will provide tailored one-to-one support, assist with personal care, and engage in nurturing activities that promote independence. This role requires excellent communication skills, experience in working with children with additional needs, and a flexible approach to meet the child's changing requirements. Competitive pay at £12.60 per hour with potential for additional hours.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting non-verbal children and understanding sensory needs.
• Physically fit to assist with personal care tasks.
• Willing to undertake relevant training such as safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Collect child from school twice weekly and provide support.
• Assist with personal care, including intimate care.
• Encourage play and communication through engaging activities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Experience with children with learning disabilities

Ability to build trusting relationships

Patience and empathy

Flexibility to adapt to changing needs

Education

Qualifications in education, childcare, or health & social care

Job description

Job Title: Personal Assistant (PA) for a Child with a Learning Disability

Location: Grappenhall, Warrington

Hours: 4 hours per week, pattern to be up to twice weekly after‑school collection and / or full 4 hours on a weekend day/evening by prior agreement.

Working pattern to be agreed in advance. Additional hours may be available by prior agreement during school holiday periods.

Salary: £12.60 per hour

About the Role

We are seeking a kind, patient, and reliable Personal Assistant (PA) to support a bright and loving 7‑year‑old child with a learning disability who is non‑verbal and requires support with personal care. The PA will work closely with the child and family to promote a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment that encourages independence and wellbeing.

It is important that you can build a trusting relationship with our child, encouraging independence and interacting with her interests, such as music, sensory / being outside, pretend play and physical activities, such as swimming, play parks etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Collection from school twice weekly, with flexibility to work additional hours over weekends and holidays by prior mutual agreement
• Provide one‑to‑one support tailored to the child’s individual needs
• Assist with all aspects of personal care, including intimate care and toileting
• Support daily routines, including dressing, feeding, and hygiene
• Use non‑verbal communication methods (e.g., symbols, gestures, or assistive technology) to engage with the child to ensure the wellbeing of the child and reduce any stress response
• Encourage play, creativity, and social interaction in a calm and structured way
• Always ensure her safety and emotional security
• Work collaboratively with parents and other professionals involved in the child’s care (e.g., therapists or educators)
• The needs of the child will vary over the day and over time, therefore, flexibility in approach and application will be required

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A genuine passion for working with children with additional needs
• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities, non‑verbal, sensory processing and/or autism and practical knowledge of how to support them
• Excellent communicator, with the ability to communicate effectively using non‑verbal or alternative methods
• Understanding and sensitivity around providing intimate care for a child, whilst encouraging independence in this area
• Physically fit and able to assist with moving, handling, and personal care tasks
• Patience, empathy, calm and compassionate and emotionally resilient
• Able to build a trusting relationship with the child and family
• Reliable, punctual, respectful and professional in all aspects of the role
• Able to work flexibly and respond to the child’s changing needs
• Confident in providing engaging and sensory activities both home based and external environments such as play centres, parks to ensure variety of life experiences to support ongoing learning and development.
• Ability to follow care plans and guidance from the child’s family and/or specialists
• Willingness to undertake training relevant to the role (e.g., safeguarding, first aid, communication methods)
• Enhanced DBS check
• References required
• Clean UK driving license and access to own vehicle
• Use of mobile phones to take pictures and sharing of such images at the full discretion of the parents / employer

Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications in education, childcare, education, health & social care, or therapy related fields
• Knowledge and familiarity with alternative communication tools such as PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices
• Previous experience working in a home‑based setting

Application Process

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role to:

Email: [e-mail]

Reference: DP/AG07

The Independent Living Team will forward your application to the employer, who will arrange interviews directly.