Personal Assistant – SHBNCL Needed in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne

Personal Assistant Required to Support a Young Person

Location: Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne

Hours: Flexible, 6 hours per week term time and 16 hours per week school holidays including weekends

Rate of Pay: £14.50 per hour

Driving licence and own vehicle essential

About the Role

We are seeking a reliable, patient, and enthusiastic Personal Assistant to provide one-to-one support for Sham, a young person with Autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and learning disabilities.

The primary aim of this role is to support Sham to safely access the community, increase social opportunities, develop independence, and provide valuable respite and reduced pressure for the family.

Sham is a non-verbal young person who communicates through behaviour, gestures, and facial expressions. He thrives on predictable routines, visual supports, and calm, consistent approaches from those supporting him.

Due to a lack of danger awareness and the risk of absconding, Sham requires constant one-to-one supervision while accessing the community.

About Sham

Sham enjoys a variety of activities including:

• Swimming
• Walking and outdoor adventures
• Climbing activities
• Sensory play
• Visiting community venues and attractions
• Exploring new experiences within safe and structured environments

He can become overwhelmed in busy or noisy environments and may require support to regulate his emotions and sensory needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing safe one-to-one support in the community.
• Maintaining continuous supervision due to absconding risks and limited danger awareness.
• Supporting participation in recreational, leisure, and social activities.
• Promoting independence, confidence, and life skills where appropriate.
• Following established routines and using visual supports to aid communication and understanding.
• Responding calmly and consistently to behaviours of communication.
• Supporting emotional and sensory regulation during community activities.
• Always ensuring Sham’s safety and wellbeing.
• Working collaboratively with family members to provide consistent support.

Person Specification

The successful applicant will:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and learning disabilities.
• Be confident supporting individuals who are non-verbal and use alternative forms of communication.
• Be reliable, patient, and understanding.
• Have a calm and consistent approach in challenging situations.
• Be proactive, energetic, and able to engage in community activities.
• Have a genuine interest in promoting inclusion, independence, and wellbeing.
• Be able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with additional needs.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Two satisfactory references.
• Right to work in the UK.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

What We Offer

• Rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in a young person’s life.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing support and guidance.
• Paid holiday entitlement.
• Meaningful community-based work helping to promote independence and inclusion.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a brief statement outlining your experience and suitability for the role and complete the application form.

Only applicants who can demonstrate relevant experience and a commitment to supporting children and young people with complex needs will be considered.

At the request of the family, applicants should be aware that this role involves supporting a young person with significant supervision needs in the community. The successful applicant will be expected to promote safety, wellbeing, and meaningful participation in community life while respecting Sham’s individual communication style and support needs.