PA for 8year old boy with Down's syndrome. 8hours a week in LS10 - Leeds - LS10
Job Reference (0c3344d1)
A Personal Assistant is required in the Leeds 10 area to support an eight year old boy who has a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome in accessing community activities and support his single parent family and older brother. He has sensory processing difficulties, social and communication difficulties, a learning disability, Nystagmus (with a partial visual impairment certificate) and various health issues. He requires support with personal care needs, for example, toileting, washing, dressing and monitoring with feeding. Some light cleaning duties may be required if he spills something.
He is a cheeky, shy little boy. He loves cars, books, watching vehicles, slime, music, soft play, parks, farms and zoos. He also became a Beaver with scouts this year. He is bilingual, Spanish is his second language. He uses Makaton to go alongside spoken language and lots of visual supports. He does not see danger, he may flop to the floor or run away to communicate his wishes or when sensorially overwhelmed. He currently uses reigns when out and about to keep him safe. He has auditory and visual sensory processing difficulties. He can become overwhelmed when out, other times he really enjoys being out, no two days are the same! He uses a wheelchair and special tomato buggy to help when walking longer distances as he tires or for sensory overwhelmed. He can become unwell due to having a lower immune system so learning what is ‘typical for him’ from his family will help support him.
He requires a PA for a total of 8 hours per week during term time and some school holidays, working flexibly on workday evenings and/ or weekends, to suit the employer and PA. There is some negotiation in working days. However the ideal candidate will need to be punctual and reliable to fulfil this role. Some of the hours he may wish remain at home whilst I spend quality 1:1 time with his elder brother. It takes time for him to get to know people, initially the sessions will consist in getting to know him in the home, I will support on outings too during the probationary period, to support you to better understand his needs in different environments. He needs a fit, fun, calm, patient individual to support his needs. Someone who understands his disability and communication needs. He needs your support to keep regulated or his behaviour may escalate. He needs lots of scaffolding to support him with his communication with other children. Hercules attended groups at Down syndrome training in Bingley and I would be happy to support the correct person to gain new skills using their training services, many of which are online. It would be great to find a candidate who is looking for a mid-long-term position.
Desired skills for the correct applicant include Makaton, first aid, moving and handling, experience of working with children with down syndrome or other learning disabilities. Initially not as important but a driving licence would be required for the long term. Calm under pressure, resilient and caring. A DBS will be required.
Rates of pay £12.71 per hour, with 5-6 paid holiday/year pro rata. An initial probationary period of 12 weeks.
Services
Meal Preparation
Personal Care
Social + Leisure activities
Support to remain independent
Training
Essential PA Guide
Safeguarding Adults/Children
Moving & Handling
Understanding challenging behaviour
First Aid
Transportation
Full UK driving license
Medical
Safe Administration of Medication
Continence Care
Schedule, Pay & Hours
Time
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
ONA = Overnight Awake / ONS = Overnight Sleep