Social Care Personal Assistant (8 hours per week term-time & 15 hours per week school holidays)

Direct Payments Team; Wales; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local organization supporting families is seeking a personal assistant for a young boy with Autism in Swansea. This role involves engaging the child in outdoor activities, ensuring his safety, and providing support during school holidays and terms. The ideal candidate should be energetic, creative, and patient, willing to turn daily routines into adventures while respecting privacy and confidentiality. Pay is £13.13 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, especially those with Autism.
• Ability to engage in active play and employ creative solutions.
• Understanding of sensory needs and how to respond appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Support a child with playful and engaging outdoor activities.
• Ensure safety during excursions and while playing.
• Assist with routine activities and provide gentle guidance.

Skills

Patience

Reliability

Creativity

Energy

Job description

Overview

Please note this is not a Swansea city council job. You will be working with a private client who received direct payments.

A little about myself: I am a seven-year-old boy who is currently on the pathway for an Autism diagnosis. I live in the centre of Swansea with my dad who is my main carer, and I’m looking for support to help me enjoy time in the local community, whilst giving my dad a break from his caring responsibilities.

I am fun, happy, and energetic. I love to explore outdoors, especially when I get to go to forest-school where I can learn through play. I respond well to guidance, which helps me stay on task and remember what I should be doing. I sometimes get distracted and may forget to have a drink or something to eat, so I need gentle prompts to keep me going.

When I’m out and about, I can lose focus and forget how to stay safe, so I need someone who is confident in giving direction, especially when crossing busy roads. It’s important that the person supporting me understands how to keep me safe, whilst encouraging me to enjoy my time.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, are patient, reliable, and enthusiastic about helping a child flourish, then I’d love your support.

Male / female preferred.

Hours and Pay

• Hours of work: 8 hours x 39 weeks a year (school term-time); 15 hours x 13 weeks a year (school holidays); Mileage at 30 miles a week.
• Rate of pay: £13.13

Essential

1. Energy Channeler-in-Chief
   • Keep up with my endless energy, think scootering, trampolining, gymnastics, and exploring the outdoors;
   • Turn chores into games (e.g. Let’s race, organise putting books away - biggest first).
2. Creativity Captain
   • Invent sensory-friendly games (think obstacle courses, messy art, or roleplay);
   • Embrace my cheeky humour, silly voices, and impromptu dancing.
3. Routine Rockstar
   • Use visual timetables or fun countdowns ("5 more minutes of swings, then we are moving, next is story-time");
   • Help with my outside after-school activities, swimming, horse-riding, theatre-school (Stagecoach!).
4. Safety & Calm Keeper
   • Spot when I am overwhelmed and pivot smoothly (e.g. “Let's have a time out”, headphones on, or hand me a sensory chewy or fidget spinner;
   • Celebrate my wins (big or small, like trying new foods or reading an outside sign!).

Desirable

• I’d prefer if you:
  • Have a playful spirit, learn new skills, choose an Avatar and challenge me in a game on Roblox or Minecraft!
  • Understand Autism, but don’t overthink it (e.g. be patient when I am slow to process or respond to questions);
  • Stay patient and positive when I test boundaries (cheeky = my superpower!);
  • Love the outdoors, parks, woodland walks, or exploring rock pools on the beach.

I’d like support with: Playmate, cheerleader, and calm guide all in one; helping me explore the world safely; learn through laughter; and turn daily routines into adventures.

I will need my PA to:

• Respect and understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality;
• Be confident, mature and have patience;
• Be dependable and arrive on time;
• Be friendly with an easy-going manner;
• Be adaptable and flexible;
• Be supportive but not take over;
• Have business insurance on your car to take clients out.

Concerning the position

A trial period will be necessary in the first instance in the form of a six-month probationary period. Salary will be paid monthly (Annual leave is calculated on a pro rata basis). A DBS MUST be processed prior to any commencement of employment. Costs of DBS will be met by Swansea council where applicant is eligible.