PA / Mentor

PA Pages; Horsham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A private support service is seeking a dedicated individual in Horsham to provide a PA/mentor service to two children with special educational needs. The role offers flexible hours, including 8 hours weekly with increased time during school holidays. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of working with SEND children, interpersonal skills, and a compassionate approach. Responsibilities include personal care, transportation, and accompanying children to events, ensuring a supportive environment. A valid driver's license and own vehicle are necessary for this position.

Qualifications

• Must have experience and knowledge of working with children with autism, PDA, ADHD, and RSD.
• Must speak and read English to a reasonable standard.
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties.

Responsibilities

• Providing PA/mentor service to two children.
• Assisting with personal grooming and emotional regulation.
• Accompanying children to community events and activities.

Skills

Experience working with children with SEND

Interpersonal skills

Creativity

Patience

Ability to follow instructions

Comfortable with pets

Job description

Overview

8 hours per week with flexibility within the week or month depending on events; 16 hours per week during school holidays to be used flexibly. This is a temporary position to cover long term sickness which may be made permanent depending on circumstances. The role is to provide a PA/mentor service to two children, with dedicated time for each and occasional family outings where both children and parent would attend with you.

Knowledge and experience of working with children with SEND and a willingness to learn more about autism, PDA, ADHD and RSD.

Duties include:

• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking assistance
• Other relevant duties as required
• Transportation
• Companionship
• Looking after pets
• Emotional regulation

Main aspects for my son:

• Chatting to him about my collections and interests at home
• Playing games with him such as chess or online Star Wars games
• Helping take care of his pet dog
• Helping him develop his special interests in activities at home (currently making videos and filming short drama bursts related to Doctor Who or Star Wars)
• Accompanying to a range of SEND events with his parent and sibling, ensuring he is emotionally regulated with your full attention throughout the sessions; also being ready to leave early and bring him home if he feels overwhelmed

Main aspects for my daughter:

• Going into the community for visits to the park, woods, bowling, climbing
• Building out of boxes and doing crafts at home
• Helping her care for her pet guinea pigs
• Helping her edit movies that she makes
• Accompanying to a range of SEND events with parents and sibling, ensuring she is emotionally regulated with your full attention throughout the sessions; also being prepared to leave early and bring her home if she feels overwhelmed

Some events may be:

• Swimming at Coral Reef Bracknell on Wed evenings 5-9pm once a month (someone willing to go in the pool with him would be essential)
• Other visits could be a visit to an adventure centre or theme park (e.g. Thorpe Park), (Sat or Sun, varying amounts of time between 10-4pm depending on activity and travel)
• SEND Activity days, such as ASPENS, Lodge Hill, for a maximum of 4 hours anytime between 10-3
• Family trips to the beach

Candidate qualities

• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Hygienic, tidy and well organised
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Creative
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• Must be comfortable with pets
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• Calm, patient and friendly
• Willing to learn the best ways to engage with my son and build up a trusting relationship
• Knowledge and experience of working with children with SEND and a willingness to learn more about autism, PDA, ADHD and RSD
• Comfortable with pets – dog, snake, geckos and stick insects

Notes

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.

If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9

Location: Horsham

Details

Driver’s license required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Hours per week

8 hours per week with flexibility within the week or month depending on events; 16 hours per week during school holidays to be used flexibly

Hourly pay rate

£15