Personal Assistant/Support Worker – Berwick-upon-Tweed
12 hours per week | Thursday and Friday , 10am–4pm | Self-Employed Workers welcome to apply
We are looking for a patient, reliable and positive Personal Assistant to support a 20-year-old young adult with a learning disability, autism, severe OCD, anxiety, and behaviours that may challenge.
The role currently involves supporting with community-based activities on Thursday and Friday. As we are currently at the planning stage, we are open to ideas and discussion about how best to structure support and activities to meet his needs.
This young man enjoys art, technology, cafés, sensory activities, swimming, walks, museums, travelling and exploring new places. He also enjoys listening to nursery rhymes, ABC songs and familiar music, which help him to relax and regulate. Being in a car is particularly calming and forms an important part of his routine.
A calm, relaxed and positive environment is essential. He responds well to humour and enjoys spending time with people who are patient and engaging. However, he also requires clear routines, consistency and a structured approach, supported by a visual timetable or plan to help him feel safe and understand what is happening throughout the day.
Communication support is a key part of the role. He uses PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) to support planning and understanding routines. He can use simple words and phrases to communicate, and it is often helpful to write words on the palm of your hand to support understanding and help him express his wishes and choices.
He has a severe peanut allergy and carries EpiPens at all times. The successful applicant will need to be confident in understanding allergy risks and following emergency procedures if required. He also has allergies to dust and horses and follows a strict gluten-free and milk-free diet.
Essential requirements:
- Driver with own vehicle
- Business use insurance
- Willing and able to understand and follow emergency procedures relating to severe allergies, including the use of EpiPens if required
- Comfortable supporting someone with complex needs and behaviours that challenge
The individual has a severe peanut allergy and carries EpiPens at all times. The successful applicant will need to be confident in understanding allergy risks and following emergency procedures if required. He also has allergies to dust and horses and follows a strict gluten-free and milk-free diet.
The successful applicant will need to be calm, understanding and confident supporting someone who can become distressed by unexpected changes, uncertainty or too many decisions. There may be occasions when support is provided in the community on a one-to-one basis, so an awareness of risk, safety and maintaining a supportive environment is important. Experience of autism, learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge would be beneficial.
Please note the self-employed rate is £18.92 per hour