Part time PA / Theatre Buddy

Ref: DP7729

Location: Burgess Hill

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Details

This role is to support a Man

The candidate should be a man*

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Employment status:

employed

Hours per week:

Regular availability on Saturdays, Sundays, and/or Mondays as those are A’s free days. Hours will vary from 1-4 days a month totalling anywhere from 3-18+ hours a month depending on the month, with more days/hours available in school holidays

Hourly pay rate:

£12.21 - £12.50 To be reviewed at 6 months

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We are looking for a PA / Theatre Buddy to support our young adult son (A) out in the community, travelling to London, Brighton, and across Sussex from our base in Burgess Hill to see live theatre, complete outdoor treasure trails, go to the cinema / exhibitions/ interactive activity days and otherwise pursue his interests (including but not limited to: acting, history, adventure stories, travel/the world, and nature/animals). A has a gentle disposition and a great sense of humour, is active in our local AmDram society, and a keen reader.

He is 22 3/4 years old with autism and associated learning and social / communication difficulties. He would like a PA who shares his interests and isn’t going to tell him what to do so ideally someone who can peer support him rather than (in A’s words) ‘boss him.’

Mum does most of the diary and activity planning so we need someone willing to keep in touch with her by text as needed, No specialist skills are required (ie medical/nursing care), just curiosity about A’s interests, an interest in supporting someone with autism, and good communication skills to model and support A’s ongoing development. We offer full support in getting to know A, giving ideas and support via regular check-ins with mum, and a reciprocal interest in supporting the skill development of whomever is selected.

Having a driving license and own vehicle is helpful and/or willingness to collect A from home and walk to nearest train station (20 min walk) on occasion.

Duties include:

Transportation
Companionship

Toileting - prompting only and ensuring safety in public toilets

Candidate qualities:

Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
Reliable with good timekeeping
Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
Hygienic, tidy and well organised
Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
Honest and cheerful
Creative
Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
Able to always work to high standards of health & safety

Part of the role is getting A to exercise without noticing it, so the successful candidate will need to be fit and able to walk at a good pace for at least an hour (both encouraging A to walk more and in order to keep up with him when he’s excited) and to be on their feet for the majority of the time (ie Treasure Trails require an hour minimum walking with additional transit to and from the start point / train station). Having a driving license and own vehicle is helpful and/or willingness to collect A from home and walk to nearest train station on occasion, and see him home again (an additional 20 min walk each way).

Additional requirements

Non-smoker due to medical reasons

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.

Please note, if you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9