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Surrey Independent Living Charity; Horley; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey Independent Living Charity is seeking a friendly Autism Support Worker to provide 1:1 community-based support for a young man in Horley, Surrey. The role focuses on planning activities, building confidence, independence, and social connections rather than personal care.

You will work 10 hours per week at £14.80 per hour, helping Charlie engage in college and local activities while promoting safety, resilience, and inclusion in the community.

Qualifications

• Be friendly, calm, patient and reliable.
• Have an understanding of autism (professional or personal experience welcome).
• Be confident supporting someone in the community.
• Have good communication skills and a supportive, encouraging approach.
• Be able to build a genuine, respectful rapport - acting more like a trusted companion than a carer.
• Be comfortable using public transport and supporting independent travel.

Responsibilities

• Meet weekly to plan and take part in community activities
• Support Charlie to safely access local community resources
• Encourage confidence and independence when travelling on public transport
• Help reduce anxiety, particularly in busy or noisy environments
• Promote social inclusion and opportunities to join social activities
• Support Charlie to develop friendships at his own pace
• Help improve money awareness when shopping or eating out
• Spend time engaging in shared interests, including creative activities and gaming, in a relaxed, supportive way

Skills

Friendly

Calm and patient

Autism awareness

Community travel support

Reliable

Job description

Autism Support Worker Required for Community Support (Ref 010127)

Hours: 10 hours per week (2 days at 5 hours each - flexible by agreement)

Pay: £14.80 per hour

We are looking for a friendly, reliable and patient Personal Assistant to support Charlie, a quiet and thoughtful 20 year old young man with high functioning autism, who lives in Horley, Surrey. Charlie attends college three days a week and would benefit from 1:1 community based support to help him build confidence, independence and social connections.

This role is about community outreach, not personal care. You will work with Charlie to plan and enjoy weekly activities based around his interests, supporting him to feel safe, confident and included when out and about.

The Role

As Charlie's Personal Assistant, you will:

• Meet weekly to plan and take part in community activities
• Support Charlie to safely access local community resources
• Encourage confidence and independence when travelling on public transport
• Help reduce anxiety, particularly in busy or noisy environments
• Promote social inclusion and opportunities to join social activities
• Support Charlie to develop friendships at his own pace
• Help improve money awareness when shopping or eating out
• Spend time engaging in shared interests, including creative activities and gaming, in a relaxed, supportive way

About You

You will ideally:

• Be friendly, calm, patient and reliable
• Have an understanding of autism (professional or personal experience is welcome)
• Be confident supporting someone in the community
• Have good communication skills and a supportive, encouraging approach
• Be able to build a genuine, respectful rapport - acting more like a trusted companion than a carer
• Be comfortable using public transport and supporting independent travel

As an employed personal assistant, you will be eligible for free membership to the Independent Living Group. Benefits include:

• Eligibility to sign up for the Blue Light Card for only £4.99 which gives you access to a large range of discounts across retail, leisure, and other services at companies nationwide
• Counselling helpline, legal helpline and personal financial support
• My Mind Pal mental health app subscription

Additional Information

• No personal care is required
• Training and guidance can be provided
• A DBS check will be required (this can be arranged).

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