Personal Assistant/Support Worker for Teenager with Complex Needs

Independent lives; Worthing; On-site; GBP 1,240,000 - 1,791,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Lives is seeking a warm, positive Personal Assistant to support a wonderful young girl in her day-to-day life in Worthing. The role involves helping with medication prompting, personal care, meals, mobility, and various activities to enable her to enjoy parks, shops and cafes.

You will build a trusting bond through non-verbal communication, patience, and empathy. The successful candidate will drive a wheelchair-adapted vehicle, promote safety, and engage in outings while supporting a

Qualifications

• Must be able to support a child with complex needs including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and non-verbal communication cues.

Responsibilities

• Medication prompting/administering.
• Personal grooming assistance.
• Eating and drinking assistance.
• Moving and handling.
• Clinical tasks as required.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Driving license

Reliability

Non-verbal cues

Job description

We are looking for a warm, positive, and enthusiastic Personal Assistant to support a wonderful young girl in her day-to-day life.

She has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and visual impairment. She is non-verbal and communicates through facial expressions and body language, so building a strong, trusting relationship with her is essential.

She has a great sense of humour, loves to laugh at funny moments, and enjoys relaxing activities such as listening to stories, having her nails painted and hands massaged. She enjoys outings in her wheelchair, especially to parks, shops and cafes where she likes listening to everything going on around her. This is a genuinely rewarding and enjoyable role for someone who loves spending time with young people and helping them experience the world around them.

Why this role?

This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference in a young person's life, while sharing in laughter, creativity, and meaningful connection every day.

Duties include:

• Medication prompting/administering
• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking assistance
• Moving and handling
• Clinical tasks
• Other relevant duties as required
• Dressing / undressing
• Bathroom assistance

What you'll be doing:

• Building a close, trusting relationship with Jessie and learning to understand her unique communication style
• Supporting fun and engaging activities such as:
  • Baking, arts & crafts
  • Reading stories, listening to music, and sensory play
• Helping her feel safe, happy, and supported at all times
• Accompanying her on outings, including:
  • Walks outdoors
  • Swimming sessions
  • Supporting her use of posture equipment so she can enjoy trips out when she wishes
  • Driving her to activities using a wheelchair adapted vehicle

Personal care responsibilities:

• Bathing, dressing, and oral care
• Managing continence needs (including regular nappy changes)
• Supporting a bowel care routine
• Feeding via jej and PEG
• Suction support
• Monitoring skin integrity
• Administering medication

(Full training will be provided for all clinical tasks)

Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality

Personal qualities and responsibilities:

• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Hygienic, tidy and well organised
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Creative
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety

We are looking for someone who:

• Is kind, patient, and positive, with a genuine love for helping others
• Has experience supporting children with complex needs (experience with epilepsy is desirable)
• Is attentive and willing to learn her non-verbal communication cues
• Has a good sense of humour and enjoys creating fun, meaningful moments
• Is reliable and consistent, providing a stable and reassuring presence
• Holds a full UK driving licence and is confident and willing to drive a wheelchair adapted van

Additional requirements

Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.