About the Employer

I am the employer and father to my young son who has a diagnosis of profound ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) learning difficulties, and he is nonverbal. As such he has been offered direct payments to enable him some 1-1 support to assist him accessing social outings and friendship. He resides at home with his mother, 2 sisters and me. My son is nonverbal and will require someone with patience and understanding, as he uses gestures, facial expressions, or guides others in order to communicate. He is familiar with visual aids such as PEC cards to support him in communicating with others. He requires prompts to go to the toilet but is able to manage his personal care himself. My son has limited communication or danger awareness which makes him very vulnerable, He will need someone who will be able to always supervise him and provide him with the attention and stimulation he requires, allowing us as parents time away from our caring role. My son is very sociable and enjoys 1-1 attention from adults. He can at times struggle with other children and at times can lash out, bite, nip and shout out if he becomes frustrated. He is quick and has no understanding of boundaries or other people’s possessions, so may go to take things from tables or access areas restricted to him, if not accompanied and supervised.

He is very energetic and enjoys being outdoors, so someone who is willing to get involved and join in, in all his chosen activities. He enjoys going to parks, the beach, walking, soft plays, trampoline parks and kicking a ball around, but also enjoys arts and crafts, drawing, colouring and painting. He loves activities which are sensory led and likes water play. I am seeking a PA who will be able to support him in the community and occasionally within the family home with 1-1 supervision. This will also allow him time away from home and his siblings and I, which will promote his independence. I am seeking a PA who will work closely with his mother and I to build a trusting relationship and understanding of my son’s needs. This will help him build his confidence and enjoy new experiences as well as extending his support network.

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Employer Disability and Health Conditions

• Cognitive / Learning • Invisible

Non verbal

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The employer's hobbies and interests:

• Water play/Swimming• Parks/Outdoors• Soft plays/arts and crafts

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Other relevant information

• The individual keeps pets in the home.Cat.

About the Role

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and/or prompt with personal care. This may include toileting, showering/bathing, getting in and out of bed, getting dressed.
• Support to get to and from school/work/college/social activities.
• Support and/or prompt the individual to access sporting and leisure activities.
• Assist and encourage socialisation, participating in activities.
• Promote and encourage friendships and independence.
• Develop a good and trusting one to one working relationship.

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The individuals needs may vary from day to day and your tasks may reflect this. You could be required to perform other duties as reasonably required.

You have a responsibility as an employee to report all accidents to the employer immediately. You have a duty to report defects and / or hazards which may give rise to an accident. You are to ensure the safety of the individual at all times.

Due to the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure (costs will be covered).

Transport Requirement

Car driver and car owner – must have business insurance.

Required Skills

• Be honest, reliable, trustworthy and punctual.• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy, including the prohibited use of social media in relation to the job role.
• To be able to work on own initiative.
• Be patient, supportive and caring.
• Have good listening skills and be able to provide non-judgemental emotional support.
• Be empathetic.
• Previous caring experience is not essential, however you should have a genuine interest in supporting people with a disability/illness to achieve their goals.
• Flexibility would be an advantage as the hours may be variable.
• Be self-motivated with a willingness to get involved.
• Have a lively personality.