PDA‑Experienced Support Worker (After‑School) – Hammersmith

We are looking for a skilled, calm, and relationship‑led Support Worker to work with a child with Autism and a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. The role involves providing consistent after‑school support in the family home and local community.

This position requires someone who understands the unique presentation of PDA and can work flexibly, creatively, and collaboratively with the child and their family.

Locations

Shifts

Pay/Rate

Hammersmith, London

After‑school support (weekdays)

£14.80 – £15.50 per hour (varies by assignment and experience)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide after‑school support in the home and community
• Build a trusting, respectful relationship with the child
• Use low‑arousal, low‑demand strategies to reduce anxiety
• Support emotional regulation and engagement through preferred activities
• Work collaboratively with parents and the wider team
• Promote independence at the child’s pace
• Maintain clear, professional boundaries and safeguarding standards

Benefits:

• Enhanced bank holiday rate.
• Full training and development opportunities.
• Ongoing support from a friendly, committed leadership team.
• Professional development and industry‑leading training.
• Supportive, inclusive team environment.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Pension scheme.

Essential Requirements

• Strong understanding of PDA and how it impacts communication, anxiety, and daily functioning
• Previous experience supporting children or young people with a PDA profile
• Ability to use a relationship‑based, low‑demand approach
• Confidence in adapting expectations, offering choices, and reducing perceived pressure
• Warm, patient, and emotionally attuned communication style
• Ability to build trust gradually and respectfully
• Reliability and consistency

All offers are subject to Enhanced DBS checking and satisfactory references in line with government regulations and recruitment best practices.

Special People Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Where a client's dignity requires same‑sex personal care, we apply a genuine occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9(1)).