Social Support Assistant

Independent lives; Horsham; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Supportive family environment

Job summary

Independent Lives is seeking a reliable PA to support our 18-year-old daughter with Cri du Chat Syndrome in the Horsham area. The role involves accompanying her to activities, assisting with mobility and personal care, and supporting communication using Makaton as needed.

Hours are limited: 1 day most weekends (6–8 hours) plus 1–2 days during school holidays; occasional overnight stays are a bonus. Hourly pay rate is £14, and non-smoker preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate with the daughter using spoken words and sign language as needed.
• Patience and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and follow English instructions.

Responsibilities

• Transport the daughter to activities in home and community.
• Assist with mobility on stairs and uneven surfaces.
• Support with personal care, feeding when appropriate, and toilet routines.

Skills

Communication

Makaton (basic)

English reading/writing

Job description

To support our daughter in accessing activities at your home or in the wider community, and allow her to try new activities and gain new experiences.

• To transport our daughter to and from such activities as required.
• To support our daughter in her mobility, and safety on stairs or uneven surfaces.
• To assist our daughter with her communication needs, including supporting her use of Makaton, learning to understand her own particular forms of communication, and encouraging choice and decision-making.
• To help our daughter with feeding when appropriate, and encourage independent feeding where possible.
• To manage our daughter's personal care needs, toileting and changing as appropriate, including following any toilet training schedule that may be in place.
• To ensure our daughter's health and safety at all times.

I'm a 18 year old girl, with Cri du Chat Syndrome. I have a great sense of humour and love being in the company of others. My family are looking for a PA to support me out in the community.

I'm a very healthy, happy, sociable girl but due to my learning disability, I struggle with my communication. I can say certain words and I use Makaton signing to help me communicate. Makaton knowledge isn't vital as you'll soon pick up my words and signs as you get to know me. I am physically able, but am slow and need help on stairs and uneven surfaces. Your role will include taking me for fun days out while assisting with personal care, feeding, communication, mobility and keeping me safe., Reliable with good timekeeping.

• 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
• Enthusiastic and encouraging, able to engage our daughter in activities.
• Knowledge of Makaton is an advantage but not essential.

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. Please note, 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.

Hours per week: 1 day most weekends (6-8 hrs) ideally a Saturday, but this is flexible. 1 or 2 days per week during school holidays, if possible, but not essential. Occasional overnight stays a bonus but in no way essential.

Hourly pay rate: £14