Community/Social Support - 02/Tarb/BJ 30/03/2026 Tarbolton

Personal Assistant (PA) – Community/Social Support for Child with Additional Needs

Location: Tarbolton
Hours: 3 hours per week (52 weeks per year)
Rate of Pay: £13.45 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate and patient Personal Assistant (PA) to support an 8-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of Autism with social and communication difficulties. He is on the waiting list for an ADHD diagnosis and has PICA, meaning he may try to eat non‑food items. He has limited verbal communication and uses Makaton signs, gestures, and visuals to express his needs and feelings. The young person requires constant supervision due to a complete lack of danger awareness and a tendency to leave the home unsupervised if doors or windows are left unlocked. Support is especially important when out in the community, where he relies on the use of reins or a wheelchair to stay safe.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to the young person during community-based outings (e.g., local park, soft play, walks, or suitable activities).
• Use Makaton, gestures, and visuals to aid communication and encourage interaction.
• Help him stay engaged and focused during activities, offering reassurance and redirection as needed.
• Ensure his safety at all times, especially in public settings—he requires constant supervision and a high level of vigilance.
• Encourage social interaction and support him in developing his confidence and communication.
• Follow guidance and routines provided by his parent to ensure consistency and security.

Key Requirements

• Experience working with children with Autism, communication difficulties, and/or additional needs.
• Ability to use or willingness to learn Makaton and visual supports.
• Patience, empathy, and a calm, child‑centred approach.
• Excellent awareness of safety and risk, particularly with children who have no awareness of danger.
• Willingness to assist with the person’s mobility needs, including use of reins or wheelchair during outings.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to build trust with both the child and his family.

Additional Information

• Flexible, part-time role ideal for someone with SEN experience or training.
• Providing respite for the parent while enabling the child to enjoy new experiences safely.
• Enhanced DBS check and references required prior to start.

To Apply

If you are a sociable and supportive individual who enjoys helping others make the most of life, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ref – 02/Tarb/BJ. Post subject to successful reference and PVG checks. Two up-to-date reference contacts are required, one of which must be from a present or previous employer. In addition, a new PVG enhanced disclosure will be required prior to appointment (disclosure cost to be met by the employer).

**PLEASE NOTE THAT AILN ARE NOT THE EMPLOYERS. WE ARE A SUPPORT & MAILBOX SERVICE FOR INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL EMPLOYERS AND HAVE NO INPUT INTO WHOM THEY DECIDE TO EMPLOY**

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