Personal Assistant
Ref: DP5956
Location: Worthing
Details
This role is to support a Child
Drivers licence required: No
Employment status:
employed
Hours per week:
6-8 hours per week to be used flexibly, at address to be advised (near Durrington station) and out and about in the community. Usually be worked on a Wednesday and Saturday, but this is flexible. To include regular weekend work.
Hourly pay rate:
£12.21
A friendly and easy going family in Worthing is looking for a caring, committed, and enthusiastic PA to assist their 14-year-old daughter, who has a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder with social communication and sensory processing difficulties, as well as a movement disorder which has been significantly improved by her regular Sensory Integration Therapy.
She is a bright, creative, and affectionate young person with a great sense of humour, who enjoys kung fu, swimming, and art, and wants to become an animator.
The role involves providing flexible support for approximately 6–8 hours per week, both at home and out in the community, depending on her needs and comfort level.
Due to her anxiety and sensory sensitivities, she sometimes find it upsetting to be touched, especially around her head, so she needs someone calm, patient, and responsive to her cues—particularly in social situations or environments that may feel overwhelming.
Experience working with autistic young people is preferred but not essential, as training can be provided.
The family is kind, flexible, and values professionalism and a genuine commitment to supporting their daughter’s well-being and independence.
A driving license is also preferred, but not essential.
Duties include:
- Community Inclusion
- Developing social skills
- Support in taking the bus to the library and shops
- Swimming (Wednesday evenings), Cinema, and kung fu support (day tbc)
- Occasional: personal grooming, reminders to slow down whilst eating, personal hygiene support, glass of milk before bed, cleaning up after any spillages
- Provide close supervision, particularly near roads, as she has limited awareness of potential road dangers and requires support to ensure her safety in these environments
Candidate qualities:
- Have knowledge of autism and preferably experience in working with children with ASD
- Not afraid to ask questions and get stuck in with the designated tasks
- Consider her safety as of paramount importance
- Approach your work with a sense of fun and keeping her calm and happy
Additional requirements
Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours
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
