Job Description

Advertised on behalf of a family:

We are looking to recruit a Personal Assistant for a 10-year-old girl who has a condition called Fragile X syndrome. This means she has intellectual and physical issues. She is non-verbal and has an unsteady walking gait and requires supervision at all times. She is a fun-loving child, but anxiety is her main challenge and she requires time to get used to new people. She has good receptive language and understands what is being said.

We would require a PA to slowly build a trusting relationship with her, scaffolded by parents initially, mostly within the home until she is confident. We live in Scotby, a village just outside of Carlisle, therefore the successful applicant would need to be able to commute to this area.

Her support it provided on a 2:1 basis and the expected shifts will be predominantly on a Saturday. There will be some weekdays during school holidays available.

The Role:

Provide full assistance with her personal care

Prompting and reminding throughout the day to support and encourage independence with toileting washing hands etc.

Changing and adjusting of clothing

Assist with snacks and lunch - she finger feeds independently but still requires some assistance with dextrous tasks

Encourage and support her to participate with fun activities e.g. play park and soft play

Provide light-hearted distraction by using interactive songs and games e.g. 'Wind the bobbin up', 'Heads, shoulders, knees and toes', 'If you're happy and you know it.'

Oversee her independent use of iPad/iPhone, Tonie box.

Requirements:

Experience working with children with challenging, additional needs

Physically able to participate in physical play activities and keep up with her when she runs around (she is not fast but has an unsteady gait and can often fall over)

Be kind, calm and patient

Good sense of humour and enjoy laughter and fun

Safety aware as child has low risk awareness.

This position is subject to a satisfactory DBS check, funded by the employer. Applicants on the Update Service are an advantage.

Job Types: Part-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 4 per week

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: ILC-C-129