Looking for a PA to support an adolescent with several challenges / conditions which impact his ability to engage in, and develop functional skills.
Support Needs
17 year old needing support to develop Life Skills around parental home and the community (travel and visiting public places) as well as social and communication skills. There is also a requirement for the successful candidate to provide a safe ‘space’ and support his mental health. These support need should all aim to promote his independence for future Independent living.
Specific Challenges – Applicant should have awareness and or have previous experience (worked or lived) in -
• Autism with Sensory Needs
• ADHD
• Mutism (Situational) – and communication difficulties
• Low mood / Poor motivation / engagement
• Severe Anxiety disorders including PTSD, Social, Separation and Health amongst others
• Chronic Pain conditions including both Hypermobility and Increased tone in certain joints which impacts mobility – distance and speed.
Essential Qualities
The applicant should also possess the following essential qualities: -
• Be able to speak in a clear, calm manner and allow extra time for a response
• Be able to identify non-verbal cues and appropriately encourage engagement verbal or otherwise (PECS, Text to speech apps etc used)
• Should be able to support the young person with planning ahead and then committing to that plan, seeing it through
• Have good problem-solving abilities, showing creativity in the support provided to reach desired outcomes
• Must be flexible around the individuals’ specific needs on a day by day means
• Friendly – but able to maintain the boundaries between friendship and employer
• Be inviting and engaging to encourage the building of a rapport – having an interest in the young person and their preferences, hobbies and likes and dislikes.
• Accepting and respectful of the young person’s traits and challenges and always remain compassionate and non- judgemental.
• Able to maintain time sheet and submit in time for payroll
• Be reliable with time keeping and willing to take guidance from employer / family
Other
• LGBTQ+ ally would be beneficial
• A PVG / Disclosure Scotland check will be required on appointment – Paid by employer.
• A driver with full driving licence and access to a car would be beneficial but not essential.
Hours / Days of working
• Wednesdays – 2 hrs– weekly (preferably afternoon)
• Fridays – 2 hrs weekly – Only in Afternoon.
• Start / finish time can be negotiated at interview
• Alternative combination of hours may be possible and can be discussed in interview.
Pay and Benefits
• Employed on a 52 week a year contract
• Annual Leave entitlement (5.6 weeks pro rata)
• Pension contributions where appropriate
• Pay Rate £12.00 per hour
• Insurance cover – paid by Employer.
PLEASE NOTE – There are additional PA / Support worker roles required by family / household members – if you desire more hours per week there are additional roles required for other family members – can be discussed at interview.
If you are interested in this post please contact me on sylvia@sylvia.me.uk (Parent Carer with Power of Attorney to Employer)