PA required TF11 area – son is Autistic / Non-Verbal

We require a PA for our son who is 11 years old and loves going swimming, being outdoors, sensory play, jumping on trampolines, the seaside, going out for crisps, being outside at a park or National Trust looking around and watching the trees in the wind. He also loves being at home in his own space and on the trampoline or splash pad in the garden. He loves vehicles like trains, cars and currently pirate ships!

Our son is autistic and non-verbal but is clear on what he does and doesn’t want to do/likes. He can communicate by leading you to what he wants/needs, pointing at things, pictures of reference and symbols. He has a good visual memory and remembers places and people well. He is a lovely boy with a beautiful character, he loves a good giggle. He is a fairly calm and easy going boy but can develop his own agenda. He is highly motivated by food especially crisps, chips and bland foods.

Our boy has significant learning difficulties so his age does not reflect his intellectual ability. He still requires support with all hygiene needs including toileting. He has no safety awareness and can abscond so needs constant supervision. He also has a diagnosis of Generalised Epilepsy and his medicated on Epilim to control his seizures but these can potentially happen at any time and we can discuss appropriate management if interested. No medication administration will be required.

We are looking for support mainly in the school holidays to help care for our son and allow him to remain active and sociable. Support within our home and also out and about, to take him out to things he enjoys, like the trampoline park, the play park and local community activities.

Ideally, we would like minimum one day per week during school holidays except weeks we are away as a family (5-9 hours per day). We would also like occasional weekend support if this is an option (4 -6 hours). We can be fairly flexible for the right person who can meet our son's needs. Payment will be via Shropshire council direct payments (Sally's payroll) but could be discussed for right person. Preferably a car driver for ease but not essential.

For our PA we would prefer someone who is experienced in caring for children, particularly children with ASD. Communication techniques such as a brief knowledge on Makaton would be valuable bit not essential. Someone with first aid awareness would be ideal in view of epilepsy. We need someone who is kind, caring, energetic and shows patience to the children they are caring for.

This support would need to be built up so our son can build trust and develop a relationship, it will support our son and help us all as a family have respite and maintain the ability to work during School holidays.

Will need to hold a valid enhanced DBS certificate that is registered in Shropshire and dated within the last three months, if do not currently hold one, must be willing to obtain one before commencing the role.

If it sounds like something you would be interested in or keen to discuss further then please do call, text or email me with any questions. Email: [email protected]. Thank you for reading, we look forward to hearing from you.

Genders which may apply for this job – Any

Hours per week – 6 hours holiday time plus some weekends

Hourly rate – £14.89 gross rate (Employed)

Area – Shifnal/Albrighton

Driving licence required – Yes

Employer has pets – No

Employer is smoker – No

Required care experience – Personal care, Working with children and families, Working with people with a Learning Disability, Working with people with Autism/ASD