About the Employer

About the employer I am both the employer and mother of my son who has been allocated direct payments to enable him to access social opportunities. My son is diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), a severe learning disability, Idiopathic, Hydronephrotic Right Kidney Dilated Collection System on both sides, Right Convergent Squint and amblyopia. My son can communicate but this is extremely limited due to his understanding and how he picks up and processes what others say. He is familiar with PEC cards and requires a great deal of preparation in advance of any activity. Regular prompts and repetition when giving information or instructions are necessary, so he is able to understand what is required of him or where he will be going. My son has a very limited diet and is particular about what he will and won’t eat, so meals and snacks will be planned. We are seeking to recruit an experienced PA who has knowledge and understanding of the traits associated with his disabilities. Someone with a calm nature who can be firm, have good clear communication skills, as. consistency is essential when supporting him. 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 is extremely vulnerable and requires prompt and support with his personal care: toileting and dressing if the activity is going swimming. My son is extremely sensory led. He has been known to self-harm or hurt himself when triggered by something he is unable to control. His behaviour is unpredictable and there is no noticeable build up or warning signs for the times this may occur, so the PA must always be vigilant. The PA will be required to support and assist in managing the behaviours he displays. My son is physically active and enjoys the outdoors, he likes long walks, seeing pylons, going to trampoline parks, soft plays if accessible to him and really enjoy swimming. Summary of duties 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 in advance and preparation is required, so he understands where he will be going and what he might be doing. Activities may include: • Going out for walks • Going to the beach • Going to Penshaw Monument • Going swimming • Going to trampoline parks • Providing personal care

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Employer Disability and Health Conditions

• Vision • Cognitive / Learning • Mental Health • Invisible

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), a severe learning disability, Idiopathic, Hydronephrotic Right Kidney Dilated Collection System on both sides, Right Convergent Squint and amblyopia

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Other relevant information

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 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.
• 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 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.