Personal Assistant (JLD) - DY10

Reporting to: Jamie and her parent/family representative

Location: Kidderminster and surrounding areas

Rate of Pay: £13.01 PAYE- £15 SELF-EMPLOYED

Nature of the job role

To provide friendly, patient and person-centred support to a young autistic woman with ADHD, helping her gradually build confidence, independence and access the community. Jamie can take time to trust new people, so support will begin gradually and at her pace. Initially this may involve spending time together at home, doing activities she enjoys, short local walks and trips to nearby shops. Her mum may accompany larger outings at first and gradually step back as Jamie becomes more comfortable with her PA.

The longer-term aim is to help Jamie become more confident outside the home, develop friendships and interests, take greater responsibility for herself and build skills for adulthood and future supported independence.

Main Duties

• Provide gentle encouragement with routines, personal hygiene, health and self-care without being controlling or overpowering.
• Support Jamie to gradually take more responsibility for attending appointments, communicating her needs and making choices.
• Help Jamie recognise when she is becoming anxious, uncomfortable or overwhelmed, and encourage her to express when she does not want to do something.
• Support Jamie to keep herself safe and healthy as she develops greater independence.

Domestic duties

• Support Jamie to develop basic independent-living skills such as simple healthy meal preparation, shopping and budgeting.
• Encourage Jamie to gradually take responsibility for simple routines rather than doing tasks for her.

Social Duties

• Build a trusting, consistent relationship with Jamie.
• Support short local walks and visits to shops initially, then gradually progress to larger outings as confidence grows.
• Support Jamie to attend small, quieter community activities such as art classes, creative groups, animal centres/mini farms, nature activities, gaming or autism-friendly groups and other activities based around her interests.
• Support Jamie to develop social confidence and opportunities for friendships outside of her online world.
• Plan outings around quieter times where possible and allow regular rest breaks.

Hours of work

10 hours per week, used flexibly. Support will be introduced gradually at Jamie's pace. She will not initially be expected to spend the full 10 hours out with the PA; time and activities can build as trust and confidence develop.

Qualifications

No formal qualification essential. Training or experience relating to autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs or supporting young adults would be desirable. A full driving licence and access to a suitable car are essential.

Skills & Experience

• Female PA preferred; calm, patient, quietly spoken, reliable and not overpowering.
• A relaxed personality and good sense of humour are important. Jamie responds well to fun and light-hearted interaction once she feels comfortable.
• Jamie may be very quiet with unfamiliar people and can initially give short answers. Once she trusts someone and finds a shared interest, she can become much more relaxed and talk fluently.
• Jamie does not always say when she is uncomfortable or does not want to do something and may simply agree and struggle afterwards. The PA must be observant, patient and able to check in gently without pressure.
• Clear and fluent spoken English is essential due to Jamie's communication and verbal-processing needs.
• Shared interests would be a real advantage, particularly gaming, anime, gothic interests, art, horror/jump scares and animals.
• Jamie currently manages short car journeys best due to sensory difficulties and travel sickness. Walking can also be painful and tiring, so activities need to be flexible with regular opportunities to sit and rest.

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