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

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

Job summary

A community support service in the United Kingdom seeks an enthusiastic and patient Personal Assistant to support a seven-year-old boy with autism. The role involves assisting with outdoor activities, encouraging learning through play, and ensuring safety. Candidates should be reliable, creative, and able to adapt to the child's needs. This part-time position offers 8–15 hours per week during term-time and more during holidays, with a pay rate of £13.13 per hour.

Qualifications

• Energetic, patient, and reliable support for a young child with autism.
• Creative in developing sensory-friendly games.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols when working with children.

Responsibilities

• Support a seven-year-old boy in outdoor activities.
• Encourage him through play and learning.
• Maintain safety and ensure well-being during outings.

Skills

Energy Channeler-in-Chief

Creativity Captain

Routine Rockstar

Safety & Calm Keeper

Job description

Job 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. 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 the 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.

Hours of Work

8 hours per week (3 hours after school and 5 hours on a Saturday) during school term‑time

15 hours per week during school holidays

(*Overnight at 12 hours)

Rate of Pay

£13.13

Essential

• 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, etc).
• Creativity Captain
  • Invent sensory‑friendly games (think obstacle courses, messy art, or role play);
  • Embrace my cheeky humour, silly voices, and impromptu dancing.
• 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!).
• 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

• Have a playful spirit, are happy to 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

• A playmate, cheerleader, and calm‑guide all in one;
• Helping me to explore the world safely, learning through laughter, and turning 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.