Personal Assistant - LEYOR

Disability North; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North in York is seeking enthusiastic Personal Assistants to support Leo, an energetic 8-year-old autistic boy, in community activities. This 2:1 role focuses on safety, personal care and helping Leo access play and outings.

You will work during 2:1 shifts, weekends and school holidays, with full training provided. DBS check and references required; driving licence helpful. Apply to make a meaningful difference while staying active.

Qualifications

• A positive, playful attitude and high energy.
• Patient, kind and emotionally resilient.
• Ability to work as part of a 2:1 support team.
• Willing to support with personal care.
• Willingness to engage in messy play and outdoor activity.
• Flexibility with hours, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
• Experience with challenging or risky behaviours.
• Driving licence and access to a car.
• Basic knowledge of sensory processing needs.
• Basic understanding of non-verbal cues and sensory triggers.
• Knowledge of child safeguarding principles.
• Experience supporting autistic children.
• Previous PA or care experience desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 2:1 support to Leo in the community (parks, cafés, soft play centres, and other child-friendly places).
• Ensure Leo’s safety at all times.
• Assist with personal care, including toileting, pad changes, and hygiene routines.
• Manage Leo’s sensory-seeking behaviours sensitively (e.g. smearing, vomiting, saliva play).
• Use non-verbal cues and gestures to understand and respond to Leo’s needs.
• Encourage play, exploration, and communication in a supportive and inclusive way.
• Work collaboratively with Leo’s family to ensure consistency and the best outcomes for Leo.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.

Skills

Positive attitude

High energy

Patience

2:1 support

Personal care

Messy play

Outdoor activity

Flexible hours

Challenging behaviour

Driving licence

Sensory needs

Non-verbal cues

Safeguarding knowledge

Autistic children experience

Job description

Be part of the adventure — support a super fun 8-year-old!

Location: York

312 hours a year (156 hours per PA)

Roughly 3 hours per week (daytimes, afternoons, evenings – flexible!)

Support needed at weekends during term time, and anytime during school holidays

Paid role under Direct Payments (York City Council)

£13.45 per hour

Are you ready for a job full of laughter, climbing, bouncing, mess, and mischief? Meet Leo — he’s 8, autistic, full of energy, and always on the move!

About the Role

Leo is a bright, adventurous, and energetic 8-year-old autistic boy who requires 2:1 support from kind, reliable, and enthusiastic Personal Assistants. He is non-verbal, sensory-seeking, and full of life. Your role will focus on supporting Leo to access fun activities in the community, keep him safe, and help with his personal care and hygiene needs.

This is a highly rewarding position for someone who enjoys working with children who have complex needs, is calm under pressure, and can embrace messy play and lots of physical activity.

Person Specification

A positive, playful attitude and high energy

Patient, kind and emotionally resilient

Ability to work as part of a 2:1 support team

Willing to support with personal care

Willingness to engage in messy play and outdoor activity

Flexibility with hours, especially on weekends and during school holidays

Experience with challenging or risky behaviours

Driving licence and access to a car

Basic knowledge of sensory processing needs

Basic understanding of non-verbal cues and sensory triggers

Knowledge of child safeguarding principles

Experience supporting autistic children

Previous PA or care experience desirable but not essential

Key Responsibilities

Provide 2:1 support to Leo in the community (parks, cafés, soft play centres, and other child-friendly places).

Ensure Leo’s safety at all times.

Assist with personal care, including toileting, pad changes, and hygiene routines.

Manage Leo’s sensory-seeking behaviours sensitively (e.g. smearing, vomiting, saliva play).

Use non-verbal cues and gestures to understand and respond to Leo’s needs.

Encourage play, exploration, and communication in a supportive and inclusive way.

Work collaboratively with Leo’s family to ensure consistency and the best outcomes for Leo.

Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.

Additional Notes

Full training and guidance will be provided by Leo’s family.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

References will be required.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life while having fun and being active.

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.