Supportive Companion for an Energetic 6-Year-Old Explorer

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

Job summary

A supportive family in Crawley is looking for a caring individual to assist their energetic 6-year-old son. This role involves personal care, companionship, and engaging in outdoor activities. The ideal candidate should be patient, organized, and possess excellent interpersonal skills. Experience with autism is advantageous, and the position offers up to 5 hours of work per week on a casual basis.

Qualifications

• Experience with autism is an advantage but not essential.
• Must have a good command of English.
• Non-smoker preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal grooming and dressing.
• Provide companionship and engage in activities.
• Ensure safety during outings and transitions.

Skills

Patient

Interpersonal skills

Organized

Reliable

Job description

Supportive Companion for an Energetic 6-Year-Old Explorer

Up to 5 hours per week on a casual basis, ideally on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please apply with your availability.

I’m looking for a calm, patient, and resourceful personal assistant to support my 6-year-old son — helping him get out and about, enjoy the activities he loves, and stay safe along the way.

My son is a tall, strong, and affectionate little boy who forms deep bonds once he gets to know someone. He thrives on sensory and physical experiences and is happiest when he’s exploring the outdoors, splashing through puddles, or playing in green, open spaces. If you love being outside in all kinds of weather and enjoy active days, you’ll be a great fit for this role.

Like many children his age, my son can sometimes find changes and transitions challenging. Routines are very important to him, so I’m looking for someone who is organised, dependable, and able to adapt calmly when plans shift.

While experience with autism would be an advantage, it’s not essential. What matters most is that you’re open-minded, willing to learn, and ready to take the time to understand his individual needs. Building a strong, trusting relationship with him will be at the heart of this role.

Duties include:

• Personal grooming
• Other relevant duties as required
• Transportation
• Companionship
• Dressing / undressing
• Bathroom assistance
• Accessing social and leisure activities e.g. Parks, nature – green spaces, swimming, beach etc..
• Pushing his paediatric pushchair on longer days out when required
• Assistance with medication if required i.e. using an asthma pump
• Whilst at home, participating in activities e.g. sensory activities, baking etc
• 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
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety

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