Personal Assistant to young man

PA Pages; Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A private family in Chichester is looking for a Personal Assistant to support their autistic son. The role involves engaging in creative activities like woodworking and gardening, and providing calming support during anxiety episodes. The ideal candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to follow instructions. Non-smokers preferred. Hours can vary, and the job may be employed or self-employed depending on the arrangement.

Qualifications

• Calm and patient nature to support during anxiety movements.
• Ability to communicate in English at a reasonable standard.
• Non-smoker or willing to refrain from smoking during hours.

Responsibilities

• Support the son during activities and manage meltdowns.
• Keep the environment tidy and hygienic.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.

Skills

Good interpersonal skills

Patience

Creativity

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to work on own initiative

Fit and healthy

Knowledge of autism

Good timekeeping

Job description

WednesdayFriday and some weekendsTimes can be varied to suit

We are seeking a Personal Assistant to spend time with our 27-year-old son, who is autistic and has learning disabilities, a speech disorder, and severe anxiety. He is very active and has a strong passion for woodworking—he especially enjoys creating miniature dollhouse scenes in his log cabin. He also loves gardening, visiting museums, and exploring places of interest.

At times, his anxiety can lead to meltdowns and challenging behaviour. We're looking for someone with a calm and patient nature, who can gently support him during these moments—offering distraction when needed and allowing him the space to reset.

Duties include:

• Other relevant duties as required
• 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

Out going fun person with a good knowledge of autism, patient and calm

Additional requirements

Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

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