Support Assistant – Individualised Support Role Hours Required:
- 6 hours per week, all year round
- During term time this will usually be provided through two mornings per week (days to be agreed)
- During school holidays, hours can be arranged flexibly with the successful applicant to fit both the young person’s needs and the employee’s availability. There are no fixed holiday working days.
Location:
Community-based support and support within the family home where appropriate.
Reporting To:
Parent/carer and relevant professionals involved in the young person’s support.
Role Purpose
To provide consistent, individualised support for a young person with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, to help them access the community, develop confidence, build independence and engage in meaningful activities linked to their interests.
This role is focused on providing a positive and supportive relationship, helping the young person feel understood, motivated and able to participate in activities that support their personal development.
The young person does not present with challenging behaviour and does not require medication support. The successful candidate will need to understand that their needs relate to autism, ADHD, confidence, communication, organisation, flexibility and support to navigate everyday experiences.
Main ResponsibilitiesCommunity Support
- Support the young person to access activities and opportunities within the community.
- Take the young person out independently to places and activities linked to their interests.
- Encourage confidence, independence and participation in the wider community.
- Support the young person to explore new experiences at their own pace.
- Help develop practical life skills and confidence outside of the home.
Activities may include:
- Visiting places linked to their interests
- Leisure activities
- Outdoor activities
- Shopping and community tasks
- Hobbies and personal interests
- Exploring new experiences safely
Home-Based Support
Where appropriate, provide support within the home environment by:
- Engaging the young person in activities based around their interests.
- Supporting routines, planning and independence skills.
- Encouraging communication and self-advocacy.
- Providing a positive adult relationship outside of family members.
Supporting Individual Needs
The successful candidate will:
- Understand how ASD and ADHD may affect attention, organisation, communication and confidence.
- Provide a calm, consistent and encouraging approach.
- Recognise when the young person may need additional processing time or reassurance.
- Adapt activities to suit their interests, strengths and motivation.
- Encourage independence rather than doing things for them.
Essential Requirements
The successful applicant must:
- Have proven experience supporting children or young people with ASD and/or ADHD.
- Have experience building positive relationships with young people with additional needs.
- Be patient, reliable and consistent.
- Be confident supporting a young person in the community.
- Be able to work independently.
- Be flexible and adaptable to individual needs.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a suitable vehicle.
Desirable Experience
Experience of:
- Supporting young people with autism in community settings.
- Supporting independence and life skills.
- Supporting young people to build confidence and self-esteem.
- Using a strengths-based approach focused on interests and motivation.
Personal Qualities
The ideal person will be:
- Warm and approachable
- Patient and understanding
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Flexible and adaptable
- A good listener
- Able to recognise strengths and interests
- A positive role model
Overall Aim
The aim of this role is to provide a consistent and trusted adult who can support the young person to access the community, develop independence, follow their interests and build confidence.
The successful Support Assistant will provide meaningful support that enables the young person to participate in activities and experiences that may be difficult to access without the right level of understanding and encouragement.
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
