About the Employer

I am both the employer and mother of my son who is nonverbal and is diagnosed with Autism, fecal impaction and learning difficulties My son lives with me, my husband and his sister in our family home in Washington, Tyne and Wear. I am looking to recruit a Personal Assistant to assist in the provision of 1-1 support, to meet my son’s assessed needs by Together for Children, providing him with the opportunity to access social activities in the community with someone other than a family member and provide us a break from our caring role. My son requires support with his personal care as he wears nappies and will need assistance with toileting and changing regularly when out. He lacks motivation in most things such as communication, engaging with others and is only able to gesture if he is unhappy or making choices through actions or behavior. The PA will be required to support and assist in managing the behaviors he displays with those around him, as he is known to randomly nip, kick or hit out at those around him. This is associated to times when he is unable to get his own way, anxious and frustrated with not being able to communicate effectively or if he experiences pain. My son does enjoy being physically active and outdoors, where he has the freedom to move around safely He particularly likes using trampolines or going to trampoline parks, going to parks using swings and other playground equipment and likes swimming My son is obsessed with electronic devices so this is very limited or avoided as this can also lead to frustration and unwanted behaviors He is unable to communicate but can make choices when physically offered something, he will push away the item not wanted to show what his preference is My son is extremely vulnerable and unable to identify risks to himself or others, so he will always require close supervision. I am looking for a personal assistant to provide my son with the opportunity of independence, expand his social support network and enable him to access social opportunities with someone other than a family member The PA will be required to support him when out and always provide close supervision to keep him and those around him safe. Careful planning of activities will be required to ensure the required facilities are available for toileting and changes throughout the day Activities may include: • Going out for walks • Going to the beach • Going swimming • Going to play in parks • Providing personal care

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Employer Disability and Health Conditions

• Cognitive / Learning • Invisible

Autism, fecal impaction and learning difficulties

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The employer's hobbies and interests:

• Going for walks/Play parks• Going to the beach• Swimming

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Other relevant information

• The individual keeps pets in the home.

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 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 preferred but not essential.

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.
• To be able to follow instructions accurately.
• Be patient, supportive and caring.
• Have good listening skills and be able to provide non-judgemental emotional support.
• Be empathetic.
• Previous experience in childcare/special needs is essential.
• Be able to work flexibly, adapting to the employers needs on a daily basis.
• Be self-motivated with a willingness to get involved.
• Have a lively personality.