Claire

My Requirements

SELF EMPLOYED PERSONAL ASSISTANTS/SUPPORT WORKERS

Job Title: Personal Assistant / Support Worker (Young Person
with Autism)
Location: Stoke on Trent
Support: Primarily Community-based visits (various locations including
beaches, leisure venues, and local facilities). Possible occasional
hours within the family home.
Hours: Flexible (Weekdays, Weekends, Evenings)
Employer: Private employer / Direct Payment holder
Rate of Pay: Highly competitive rate of pay, dependent on experience and suitability for
complex needs support.


Purpose of the Role
To be part of a Team of support workers to provide 2:1 support to a young man aged 16 with autism, communication difficulties and sensory needs. Must be able to provide high-quality, person-centred and neuroaffirming support, enabling them to safely access and enjoy community activities while supporting communication, emotional regulation, and independence.


Key Responsibilities
*Support the young person to access community activities such as:
Beach visits
Long walks/Hikes
Arcades
Drives/outings
Climbing wall activities
Recycling centres
*Build a trusting, consistent relationship using a neuroaffirming approach
*Support communication using appropriate strategies tailored to the young person’s needs
*Understand and respond appropriately to sensory sensitivities and environmental triggers
*Work safely with behaviours that challenge, including: Physical aggression, Risk of absconding (running away)
*Carry out dynamic risk assessments in community settings
*Implement proactive strategies to reduce distress and escalation
*Apply approaches consistent with the PACE model and Positive Behaviour Support
*Work collaboratively with family members and other professionals (e.g. therapists, schools, social care)
*Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with the wider team
*Work as part of a small team of Personal Assistants to ensure consistent support
*Promote the young person’s dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing at all times


Health & Safety
*Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns appropriately
*Contribute to risk assessment and management
*Ensure safe working practices in all community environments
*Support safe transport and travel

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Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience working with young people with autism
Strong understanding of:
Autism and communication differences
Sensory processing differences
Behaviour as communication
Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge
Ability to work with PBS plans
Ability to assess and manage risk in dynamic environments
Confident supporting in community settings (including busy or unpredictable environments)
Physically able to participate in activities such as long walks/hikes
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or willingness to drive)
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work flexibly, including weekends
Calm, patient, and resilient approach
Enhanced DBS
UTR (unique tax reference number)
Own Insurance

Desirable Criteria
Training in autism support or related fields
Knowledge of PACE model
Experience working as a Personal Assistant or Support Worker
Understanding of trauma-informed or neuroaffirming practice
Experience working alongside multidisciplinary teams

Team Around the Young Person
You will receive direct/indirect support from the Young Mans Team - including, Clinical Psychologist, Speech Therapist, OT, PAs and Parent
You will receive training in the YP needs
Within the community the YP is a ratio of 2:1. Within his home he is 1:1
There will be a period of shadowing before being asked to provide any 1:1 support