Personal Assistant for child P/T@ £12.25/hr in Weston-super-mare - FTE - £23.9k - Weston-super-Mare - BS24

Personal Assistant Required - Weston-super-Mare
 
We are looking for a reliable Personal Assistant to support our 5 year old son, who is autistic and has Global Developmental Delay/Learning Disabilities.
 
The hours are 3 per week in term time, and 6 per week during school holidays, preferably on Saturdays, but flexibility is necessary. The rate of pay is £12.25 per hour.
 
 Driver with use of car essential. 
 
Duties are likely to include personal care, supervision of meals/snacks, playing at home to start with, then going out into the community once all parties are confident, such as parks, cafés, etc. 
 
The ideal candidate will have previous experience of working with children with additional needs, and knowledge of Makaton. You will need to be very patient and kind with a gentle nature. Our son uses some simple words, but is often not easy to understand. He also uses some Makaton, but he does find it very hard to communicate his needs, which can lead to him becoming very frustrated. He isn’t able to understand all spoken language yet, so interactions need to be fun and simple, or he may become frightened. He isn’t able to have a conversation or answer questions. He has echolalia, so may try to repeat what is said without understanding the meaning. He learns best through routines and repetition, and he will require a slow and steady approach to getting to know a new person. 
 
 He is a lovely boy with an infectious laugh who loves to sing and dance. 
 
We do have dogs and cats and older children, but you will not be expected to look after them. 
 
Subject to a 6 months trial period, and satisfactory references, DBS/Police checks, and relevant car insurance.