A suitable PA needed in LS9 (Leeds) for years old boy to access social activities - Leeds - LS9

UKCIL Ltd; West Yorkshire, Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job description

A suitable PA needed in LS9 (Leeds) for a young boy to access social activities.

Do you want to make a difference for a young person with autism?

Would you enjoy supporting him to develop his independence and social skills? Are you able to commit to 4 hours on weekends during term time, with an additional 4 hours in the school holidays?

Hourly Rate: £12.40 per hour (gross) with 5.6 weeks pro rata holidays per annum.

What skills/characteristics are required for the role?

1. Age 18+
2. Reliable and committed to ensuring the young person is happy, safe, has fun, and can try and learn new skills.
3. Experience of working with children; SEND experience highly desirable.
4. To ensure the young person is safe and always supervised.
5. Common sense and good communication skills.
6. Desirable: Driving Licence, Car owner.

We are seeking a suitable PA (personal assistant) for this young boy aged 9 in LS9 (Leeds) to support him in accessing social and leisure activities.

He has a diagnosis of Autism. He is usually relaxed outside of school and likes to know what he is doing and in what order. He particularly enjoys going to the trampoline park and soft play. He also enjoys visits to the park or walks (e.g., around Roundhay). He loves food, so anytime food is involved, he is happy. He enjoys shopping and likes to hold a basket or push a trolley. He may take items off the shelf and look at you to see if you want them; simply saying 'no, we don't need that' is enough for him to put it back. Showing him what you do need and allowing him to take it from the shelf and put it in the basket/trolley usually keeps him happy. He also enjoys using the self-checkout and, with help, scanning the items himself.

He needs reminding/prompting to use the toilet. It’s usually best to give him a warning like 'this now, toilet next' or 'this now, then toilet'. He will let you know if he doesn't need it and is usually anxious about using the toilet but will go in his own time when taken into a large disabled toilet bathroom. He may be particularly anxious and need a warning that we need to close the door behind us before he can use the toilet.

When out with him, it helps to use a backpack with reins as he may try to run if he is uncomfortable in a situation. He is usually good at staying with his adult and enjoys wearing the backpack, which can be filled with fidget toys or some of his favourite things. He also loves drawing, so taking a drawing pad with you is helpful if you are sitting for any length of time.

He is anxious around most animals but wants to touch dogs until they come near him. He usually keeps to himself in environments with other children but may get frustrated if they are not patient with him. He also doesn't like crying, so it’s best to try distracting him if a child is crying in public and/or telling him that the child is okay. He does not have any awareness of danger; therefore, he must be supervised at all times.