Have you experience of supporting children with additional needs or disabilities? Are you able to calmly manage occasional challenging behaviour? Would you like to provide support to a charming 16 year old boy as he becomes more independent and gains confidence away from his immediate family? Would you like to help enable him to pursue his interests and hobbies, allowing him to access new experiences and activities?
The Client
Our client is a 16 year old boy who lives at home with his family and two dogs. He enjoys all the usual age-appropriate activities but is particularly interested in caring for animals and especially farm animals. He also has a passion for all things tractor related and would love to one day be a tractor driver or mechanic. He also enjoys trips to the local bowling alley and when at home, likes to play on his PS4 with his favourite games being Tractor Simulator.
Our client has some learning and physical disabilities as a result of injuries sustained at birth and has cerebral palsy which affects his walking and motor skills, although he is independently mobile. There are times when our client finds it difficult to express his needs or desires. Therefore, he will need a Support Worker or Buddy who possesses the patience and understanding to help him communicate effectively. This person should also be able to follow the therapists' advice to support him in finding his voice.
The Role
Our client attends school during term time and outside of this wants to enjoy the usual trends and activities for a boy of his age. Part of this role is to foster his independence to access social and leisure facilities within the local community and the successful candidate will therefore need to be sociable, adaptable, imaginative and fun. An ability to nurture and encourage age-appropriate life skills is expected, for example keeping his bedroom clean and tidy, clearing the kitchen after preparing lunch and other chores of this type.
This role is working on a one-to-one basis with our Client and is based within the family home. It is therefore beneficial if candidates have worked in this type of role previously and can demonstrate a sensitivity when working within a home environment, are reliable and trustworthy, well organised and punctual.
Experience of supporting children or young people with similar needs would be helpful, particularly if you have taken Clients out in the local community previously, although full training will be given. You should have excellent communication, social and planning skills with the ability to carry out risk assessments prior to activities being undertaken. You should be confident in the use of IT equipment and have a good understanding of confidentiality, respect and privacy. An ability to maintain a supportive, caring relationship whilst retaining professional boundaries will be key.
Our Client is very active and his Support Buddy will be required to participate in all activities which may include to attend his Occupational and Physiotherapy sessions.
A current, clean, full UK driving licence is a requirement for this position.
Available Hours
Term Time 16 hours per week – can be flexible with days but the timings remain the same:
Tuesdays 3pm to 8pm
Thursdays 3pm to 8pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
School Holidays 22 hours per week – can be flexible with days but the timings remain the same:
Tuesday 10am to 6pm
Thursday 10am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Rates of Pay
Monday to Friday: £12.00 per hour
Saturday & Sunday: £13.00 per hour