Personal Assistant for a Disabled Child

Cornwall Council; Penzance; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornwall Council Together for Families is seeking a caring Personal Assistant to support a 10-year-old boy with Down Syndrome on a 1:1 basis in the community.

The role is part-time and contract, requiring a driving licence and the ability to transport the child. DBS clearance will be required, and the successful candidate will work with the family in a private arrangement.

Qualifications

• Role involves 1:1 support for a 10-year-old boy with Down Syndrome in the community.
• Experience with Makaton and PECS is an advantage but not essential.
• Must have a full driving licence and appropriate business cover to transport the child.
• Availability at weekends and during school holidays is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 care and support in the community.
• Assist with communication and confidence building.
• Support outdoor activities: parks, swimming, walks, scootering.
• Adhere to safeguarding and DBS clearance requirements.

Skills

Driving license

Communication support

Makaton

PECS

Outdoor activities

Job description

Personal Assistant for a Disabled Child

Company: Cornwall Council Together for Families

Salary: £15 to £15 an hour

Hours: Part-time

Location: Penzance

Working pattern: Field-based

Job type: Contract

Posting date: 7 Sept 2026

Closing date: 16 Sept 2026

Summary

We are looking for a caring, reliable, and enthusiastic Personal Assistant to support our 10-year-old boy with Down Syndrome on a 1:1 basis in the community.

He is a very lively and active young boy so he will need a carer who loves the outdoors and has lots of energy!

He has a great sense of humour and is fun to be with. He enjoys all outdoor activities including parks, swimming, climbing, walks in the woods and scootering.

We would like someone to support him with his communication and help to build his confidence and life skills.

He is preverbal and communicates using Makaton and PECS. Experience with these communication methods would be an advantage, although this is not essential.

This is a rewarding opportunity to help a young person grow, gain independence, and make a meaningful difference in their life.

This is a part-time role and availability at weekends and during school holidays is essential.

The hourly rate is £15.00 per hour with a mileage allowance paid when the young person is transported in your vehicle. You must have a full driving licence and appropriate business cover to transport the young person.

The successful applicant will be employed under a private arrangement with the family, and will not be employed or carry out work for Cornwall Council.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment will be subject to the successful candidate undertaking an enhanced DBS check. The administration process will be undertaken by Cornwall Council.

Your CV or application form will be passed onto the family for their consideration. Due to the high number of applicants that are received for various roles, it is not possible to inform applicants if they have been unsuccessful.

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.