2 Personal Assistants required to support an 8 year old boy who lives in the Shildon area - Shildon - DL4
Job Reference (2a8ac12c)
2 Personal Assistants
Location: Shildon, Co Durham
Hours: Flexible (to be agreed)
Positions Available: 2
Support Ratio: 2:1
2 Personal Assistants are required to support a happy, energetic, and very clever 8‑year‑old boy who lives at home with his mam in the Shildon area. Although this boy is mostly non‑verbal, he shows his intelligence in many ways. He learns quickly—often by watching something just once—and enjoys problem‑solving through play.
He loves building and creating, especially with train sets and play sets, and often makes his own ramps using whatever materials are around. He enjoys acting out scenes with toys linked to his interests and has a real imagination. While LEGO can be tricky and overwhelming for him, he thrives when activities match his interests and abilities.
He has a strong love for Wallace and Gromit, particularly the rocket episode, and is fascinated by rockets and clocks. He also enjoys playing on his Nintendo Switch, listening to nursery rhymes, and spending time outdoors running, being active, using his trampoline, and playing with water. Being outside and on the move makes him especially happy.
He has a diagnosis of autism, hypermobility, sensory processing needs, and a learning difficulty. Due to these additional needs, he requires a high level of care, supervision, and understanding to support his safety and wellbeing.
£13.00 per hour, 10 hours per worker per week
The Role
We are looking for two caring, reliable Personal Assistants to support this boy at home and in the community. The role is focused on 2:1 support to ensure he can safely access activities he enjoys while being encouraged to develop confidence and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing constant 2:1 supervision to ensure his safety
- Support with outdoor play, physical activities, and community access
- Encouraging and joining in with his interests, including building, imaginative play, and sensory activities
- Supporting his sensory and physical needs, including awareness of his hypermobility
- Using patience and creativity to support communication and understanding
- Working closely with the family to provide consistent, child‑centred support
Ideal Candidate
- Experience supporting children with autism and additional needs (preferred but not essential)
- Calm, patient, and understanding
- Reliable, flexible, and committed
- Able to recognise and support his strengths, even when he communicates non‑verbally
- Confident promoting independence while always prioritising safety
This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys being active, creative, and playful while making a real difference in a child’s life.
An enhanced DBS will be required.
Services
Social + Leisure activities
Schedule, Pay & Hours
Time
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Sun
ONA = Overnight Awake / ONS = Overnight Sleep