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Independent Lives; Pulborough; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives in Pulborough, RH20 3EG is seeking a part-time caregiver to support an energetic, sensory-seeking 8-year-old boy who is autistic and pre-verbal. The role is 4 hours per week during term time and 8 hours weekly in school holidays, on-site.

You will need a car and a valid DBS (or willing to obtain). Responsibilities include 1:1 support at home or in the community, promoting play and sensory exploration, aiding communication, and helping the child stay safe in busy environments

Qualifications

• Experience in SEN/childcare/support work.
• DBS check required or willing to obtain.
• Right to work in the UK and willing to undergo disclosure checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support at home or in the community.
• Encourage play, movement and sensory exploration.
• Support simple communication (gestures, visuals).
• Help regulate during busy environments.
• Ensure safety at all times.
• Build a fun, trusting relationship.
• Travel/transportation as needed.
• Dressing / undressing assistance.
• Bathroom assistance.

Skills

Patience

Autism awareness

Confidence with pre-verbal child

Active and able to keep up

Initiative

SEN/childcare experience

DBS check (or willing to obtain)

Own vehicle/Driver

Job description

Supporting an Energetic, Sensory-Seeking 8-Year-Old Boy (Autistic, Pre-Verbal) DP7855

Supporting an Energetic, Sensory-Seeking 8-Year-Old Boy (Autistic, Pre-Verbal)

Ref: DP7855

Location: Storrington

Details

This role is to support a Child

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Employment status: Employed

Term Time - 4 hrs/week / 8 hrs every other week; School Holidays - 8 hrs/week

Hourly pay rate: £15 - £20 per hour depending on experience

Company: Independent Lives Salary: £15 to £20 an hour Hours: Part-time Location: Pulborough, RH20 3EG Working pattern: On-site Job type: Permanent Posting date: 20 Oct 2026 Closing date: 19 Nov 2026

Duties would include:

• Provide 1:1 support at home or in the community
• Encourage play, movement and sensory exploration
• Support simple communication (gestures, visuals)
• Help regulate during busy environments
• Ensure safety at all times
• Build a fun, trusting relationship
• Other relevant duties as required
• Transportation
• Dressing / undressing
• Bathroom assistance
• My son enjoys (just some examples) – walks, being outdoors, sensory rooms, books, messy play, playfighting with his brother, collecting things (such as books, toy characters, coloured bricks etc), multi-coloured toys, recorded bird sounds, his cuddle toy, sensory lighting, watching his brother play football.
• You will help to identify trigger points that may upset him.
• To teach self-care skills and routines.
• Support with alternative methods of communication to make his needs, wishes and feelings known to those around him.
• To assist him to become more aware of dangers.
• To provide him with opportunities and support to safely try out new experiences. All in all, he is a very happy little boy.

Candidate qualities:

• Patient, caring, reliable
• Understanding of autism
• Confident supporting a pre-verbal child
• Active and able to keep up with a sensory-seeking child
• Able to use initiative and work independently
• Experience in SEN/childcare/support work
• DBS required (or willing to obtain)
• Car driver with own vehicle

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 you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.