Social Support Assistant DP5171

Independent Lives; Horsham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A personal support service is seeking a Social Support Assistant in Horsham. The role involves assisting a 17-year-old girl with Cri du Chat Syndrome in activities such as swimming and social events. Applicants should be women, hold a driver's license, and possess good interpersonal skills. The position offers flexible hours, primarily on weekends and during school holidays. Unique personality traits and an enthusiastic approach are essential, with experience in personal care preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be fit and healthy to undertake required duties.
• Knowledge of Makaton is an advantage but not essential.
• Non-smoker preferred for health reasons.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal grooming, eating, and bathroom needs.
• Provide companionship and transportation for activities.
• Support communication needs and help with mobility.

Skills

Reliable with good timekeeping

Patient

Excellent interpersonal skills

Able to speak and read English

Enthusiastic and encouraging

Job description

Social Support Assistant

Ref: DP5171

Location: Horsham

Details

This role is to support a Child

The candidate should be a woman*

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Employment status: employed

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

I’m a 17 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.

I LOVE…

… swimming, bowling, cinema and trampolining.

… seeing friends and making new ones.

… eating out, going to the shops and visiting the library.

… SEN events, fun days, and fairs.

… animals, farms, and zoos.

… singing and dancing to music - ABBA most of all.

… sensory play, water, bubbles, sand etc.

… looking back at photos of myself on days out - take lots.

Duty list:

• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking assistance
• Transportation
• Companionship
• Dressing / undressing
• Bathroom assistance

Supporting our daughter in the home and community:

• Transport to activities and return as required.
• Assist with mobility and safety on stairs or uneven surfaces.
• Support communication needs, including Makaton use and choice decision‑making.
• Help with feeding when appropriate and encourage independent feeding where possible.
• Manage personal care needs, toileting and changing, following any toilet training schedule.
• Ensure health and safety at all times.
• Extra days available in school holidays; occasional overnight stays would be a bonus.

Candidate qualities:

• 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.

*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9