Personal Assistant (PA) for Child with a Learning Disability

Warrington Disability Partnership; England; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local disability support organization in the United Kingdom seeks a compassionate Personal Assistant to aid a non-verbal 7-year-old with learning disabilities. The role involves providing personal care, supporting daily routines, and engaging in safe, stimulating activities to promote independence. Ideal candidates will have experience with children with additional needs, showcasing communication skills, patience, and a genuine passion for child development. Flexibility, reliable transport, and a clean driving license are required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities and sensory processing.
• Ability to provide intimate care with sensitivity.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support tailored to the child’s needs.
• Assist with personal care routines like dressing and hygiene.
• Encourage play and creativity while ensuring safety.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Empathy

Flexibility

Reliability

Education

Qualifications in education, childcare, health & social care

Tools

Alternative communication tools (PECS, Makaton)

Job description

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 share at the 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.