Personal Assistant/Support Worker – JHNCL

Disability North; Virginia; On-site; USD 21,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Disability North is seeking a patient, energetic Personal Assistant to support Jamie, a 7-year-old with Autism, in Brunswick and community activities. The role emphasizes safety, structure, and understanding of Jamie's routines and interests, including gaming, soft play, climbing, and singing.

The ideal candidate will be calm, patient, and able to build trust with Jamie, providing emotional support and consistent supervision.

Qualifications

• Experience with children with autism is beneficial.
• Ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations.
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding checks and DBS.

Responsibilities

• Support Jamie to participate in structured play and community activities.
• Provide close supervision to ensure safety.
• Assist with transitions and daily routines.
• Offer reassurance and redirection when overwhelmed.
• Assist with toileting and personal care as needed.

Skills

Energetic

Patience

Emotional awareness

Autism understanding

Job description

Location: Brunswick, Newcastle upon Tyne

Hours: 6.5 hours per week

Rate of Pay: £14.00 per hour

About Jamie

Jamie is a fun, lively, and energetic 7-year-old boy with a diagnosis of Autism and learning disabilities. He is looking for a Personal Assistant who can match his energy and enthusiasm and support him to enjoy the things he loves.

Jamie has some verbal communication and a wide range of interests, including:

• Computer gaming
• Soft play and parks
• Climbing and trampolining
• Playing with toy cars
• Singing (he’s a fantastic singer!)

Jamie enjoys structured activities with a clear purpose and thrives when he knows what’s happening and what to expect.

About Jamie’s Needs

Jamie is a sensitive child who can become dysregulated or upset in unfamiliar situations or when routines change. He needs someone who is willing to:

• Take time to build trust and get to know him well
• Anticipate triggers and support him to avoid distress
• Provide calm reassurance, comfort, and redirection when needed

Jamie also:

• Has limited awareness of danger, requiring close supervision at all times
• Is partially toilet trained, but needs prompting and may require support with personal care
• Wears pull-ups when out in the community

The Role

We are looking for a patient, energetic, and understanding Personal Assistant to support Jamie to safely access activities and enjoy his interests.

Duties will include:

• Supporting Jamie with structured play and community activities
• Providing consistent supervision to ensure his safety
• Helping Jamie manage transitions and routines
• Offering emotional support and reassurance when he becomes overwhelmed
• Supporting with toileting and personal care as required

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Energetic and able to keep up with an active child
• Kind, patient, and emotionally aware
• Understanding of Autism (or willing to learn)
• Able to provide structure and consistency
• Vigilant and safety-conscious

Experience is helpful but not essential—the right attitude and approach are key.

A driving licence is a bonus, but not essential.

Additional Information

Successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by the employer.

This vacancy will close as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.

At the time of starting their employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the U.K.