Young Person Support Worker / Personal Assistant

About the Role

We are looking for a friendly, patient and understanding Personal Assistant to support a creative and intelligent 15-year-old living in the Holywell area of Flintshire.

The young person lives with their mum and their five-month-old family dog. They have a diagnosis of autism and OCD and would benefit from someone who can offer calm, consistent and supportive companionship, helping them to build confidence, develop trust and enjoy spending time outside the home at their own pace.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young people and can provide encouragement, understanding and positive support in a relaxed and non-pressured way.

What will the role involve?

The main aim is to build a positive relationship and support the young person to explore activities and interests they enjoy.

Activities may include:

• Spending time outdoors, even if this is initially close to home.
• Drawing, art and other creative activities.
• Listening to music and exploring different interests.
• Going for walks or visiting local shops.
• Supporting the family with training their young dog, whom they hope to train as a therapy dog.
• Exploring new hobbies, activities and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable.
• Enjoying conversations about their interests, including computer games, books, culture and history.

About the Young Person

They are friendly, intelligent and creative, with a strong ability to express their own views, preferences and ideas. They can be sociable with the right support and enjoy talking about subjects that interest them.

They are currently experiencing low motivation and may have limited interest in activities. A key part of the role will be offering gentle encouragement, listening to their wishes and helping them discover enjoyable ways to spend their time without feeling pressured.

They have autism and experiences OCD, including “just right” OCD and distressing intrusive thoughts. There can be a strong need for both sides of the body to feel balanced or equal, which can cause significant anxiety and make everyday activities challenging. Intrusive thoughts can also be upsetting and overwhelming. A patient, understanding and compassionate PA is needed to provide support with these challenges, help manage anxiety and encourage independence when accessing the community and participating in daily activities. They also have a history of self-harm, so a sensitive, calm and understanding approach is essential. Building trust and helping them feel safe and comfortable will be central to the role.

Has a diagnosis of POTS, however currently well managed but can get dizzy occasionally.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal Personal Assistant will be:

• Patient, calm, kind and approachable.
• Understanding of autism and OCD, or willing to learn.
• Sensitive to emotional wellbeing and able to respond in a reassuring, non-judgemental way.
• Reliable, respectful and able to build a trusting relationship over time.
• Encouraging without being pushy, respecting the young person's choices and boundaries.
• Creative, flexible and willing to explore activities based on the young person's interests.
• Comfortable around dogs and happy to be involved in the family's hopes for their dog's training.

Previous experience supporting young people with additional needs would be beneficial, but the right personality, attitude and willingness to understand the young person are just as important.

Hours and Location

• Hours: 4 hours per week – ideally used as two blocks of two hours

If you are a patient, caring and reliable person who would enjoy supporting a young person to build confidence, explore their interests and enjoy positive experiences outside the home, we would love to hear from you.

If you have any further queries in regards to the role please contact us on 01352 701100 or on [email protected]

Pay: £15.60 per hour

Expected hours: 4.0 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Holywell, Flintshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Supporting someone with OCD: 1 year (required)
• Supporting someone with Autism: 1 year (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person