Compassionate Personal Assistant - Autism Support

Direct Payments; United States; Remote; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Direct Payments is seeking a Personal Assistant to support a young adult with autism in the Faversham area. Part-time role with up to 16 hours in term time and up to 30 hours non-term time, with daytime, evening and some weekend work. Location-based in Dunkirk, near Faversham. No personal care required.

The role focuses on practical support, companionship and helping participation in educational, therapeutic and community activities to build confidence and independence.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting autistic people or mental health difficulties (paid, voluntary, or personal).
• Experience building positive and trusting relationships.
• Willingness to learn about the young adult’s needs, communication preferences and support strategies.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Experience or training relating to autism, anxiety, OCD or mental health.
• Experience supporting young adults to develop independent-living skills.
• Experience of person-centred, therapeutic or trauma-informed approaches.
• First-aid qualification.
• Basic food-hygiene training.
• Formal care qualifications helpful but not essential where applicant has suitable experience.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the young adult to prepare for and participate in activities in and outside the home.
• Supporting him to attend educational, therapeutic and social activities.
• Driving him to and from appointments, activities and places of interest.
• Supporting him to access the local community, including shops, cafés, clubs, leisure activities and public places.
• Helping him to develop independent-living skills, including cooking, shopping, using public transport, budgeting and managing daily routines.
• Supporting with planning and preparing healthy meals.
• Assisting with appropriate household tasks, including shopping, laundry, cleaning and general organisation.
• Helping him to plan and structure his time.
• Supporting him to take gradual steps towards greater confidence and independence.
• Providing calm and appropriate support during periods of heightened anxiety, following agreed plans and guidance.
• Building a consistent, trusting and respectful working relationship.
• This is not an exhaustive list; may be asked to undertake other similar tasks.

Skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Patient approach

Encourage independence

Independence & initiative

Household tasks

Family & professionals communication

Job description

Direct Payments is seeking a Personal Assistant to support a young adult with autism in the Faversham area. Part-time role with up to 16 hours in term time and up to 30 hours non-term time, with daytime, evening and some weekend work. Location-based in Dunkirk, near Faversham. No personal care required.

The role focuses on practical support, companionship and helping participation in educational, therapeutic and community activities to build confidence and independence.