Personal Assistant - LSNCL

Disability North; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North is seeking a dedicated one-to-one support assistant in Scotswood, Newcastle upon Tyne. The role offers 8 hours per week during school holidays, at a rate of £13.35 per hour.

You will work closely with Leon, a young man with complex needs, using calm, consistent and fair approaches. Confidence and positive behaviour support are essential to help him engage in activities he enjoys, at his own pace, in a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support for Leon in a calm, consistent and fair manner.
• Manage challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support; avoid confrontation.
• Support Leon in activities he enjoys, at his own pace, in safe environments.
• Minimise overstimulation: use ear defenders in busy places and avoid excessive walking.
• Create a trusting relationship, encouraging independence and social engagement.

Job description

Hours: 8 hours per week in the school holidays

Rate of pay: £13.35 per hour

Location: Scotswood, Newcastle upon Tyne

I’m looking for the right person to support my son, Leon, not just anyone, but someone who truly appreciates him for who he is.

Leon is a young man with a wicked sense of humour and a very strong personality. He will absolutely test the waters, and if he senses fear or uncertainty, he will take advantage, so confidence is key. That said, if you’re calm, consistent, and fair, Leon responds beautifully. He needs someone firm but kind, with a good sense of humour and the ability to laugh things off rather than escape them.

Leon is much better suited to a 1 to 1 environment. He does not enjoy groups or loud, boisterous people. He thrives with someone who is calm, steady, and not rushed, who doesn’t talk too loudly and knows when to give space.

Leon has:

• Severe learning difficulties
• Autism
• Hypermobility
• 15q13.3 microdeletion

Too much walking makes him very tired, and when he’s tired or overstimulated, his behaviour can become challenging. In busy or crowded places, he always wears ear defenders, and if things become too much, he may sit or lie down and refuse to move. This isn’t defiance, it’s communication.

Leon does not respond well to being told off. It makes him feel guilt and shame, which can escape situations. He needs someone who understands positive behaviour support and can manage challenging behaviour without confrontation.

Getting to know Leon means sharing in the things that bring him joy:

• Talking endlessly about his dogs (he loves dogs!)
• Cinema trips
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Lightwater Valley
• Rebound therapy
• Being out and about at his own pace
• Disney & Pixar films
• Lilidorei and Alnwick Gardens
• Hydrotherapy pools
• Sensory rooms
• Gaming

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.