Job Title: Personal Assistant/Support Worker
Location: Clacton on Sea, Essex
Hourly Rate: £11.44
Hours:
• Term Time: 6 hours per week (either Saturday or Sunday)
• College Holidays: 8 hours per week (flexible days)
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Job Overview: We are looking for a compassionate and reliable Personal Assistant/Support Worker to assist a young adult (18 years old) with autism in engaging in activities within the local community and regional areas such as Colchester, Chelmsford, and Ipswich. The role involves accompanying the client on outings to places of interest and helping with various community-based tasks. The client enjoys social interaction, shopping trips, train journeys, and learning about travel routes and old buildings.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
• Take the client on regular trips to local retail parks, shopping center's, and community spaces.
• Assist the client with monthly visits to the barbers for a shave and, if necessary, a haircut.
• Support the client during car drives and train/bus journeys, engaging in conversations and fostering social interactions.
• Encourage and support the client’s interests in travel, phytogeography, and exploring new routes or destinations.
• Offer a friendly and supportive environment, ensuring the client feels comfortable, safe, and included during all activities.
• Provide necessary support when the client experiences fixations or requires assistance in processing comments or instructions.
• Foster the client's sense of independence, encouraging them to make decisions regarding outings and activities.
Essential Criteria:
• A genuine interest in working with individuals with autism or other learning disabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to give the client time to process information when necessary.
• Sociable, friendly, and caring personality, with a good sense of humor.
• Patience and understanding, particularly when dealing with fixations or repetitive behaviors.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Ability to work independently while ensuring the client’s needs are met.
• A car driver is useful, though not essential. Travel expenses will be covered.
• Willing to undergo DBS Checks. (free of charge to Applicant)
Desirable Skills:
• Some knowledge or experience of autism or related conditions, though training will be provided.
• A basic understanding of how to support individuals with social communication challenges.
• Ability to engage in conversations around the client’s interests (e.g., travel, If you are passionate about helping others and providing support in a positive, social, and engaging environment, we would love to hear from you!
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .