Independent Lives • Henfield, West Sussex
About this role
Personal Assistant Needed – Supportive, Fun & Rewarding Role
Ref
TM8212
Location
Henfield
Details
This role is to support a Child
Drivers licence required
Yes
Own vehicle needed
Yes
Employment status
Employed
Hours per week
Term-Time
3.5 hours per week, worked at weekends.
School Holidays
5.5 hours per week, with days and times to be mutually agreed.
Job Share
Open to job share if you're unable to cover all hours. *
Mileage rate (if applicable)
45p per mile
Hourly pay rate
£15.00 plus mileage.
Mileage rate
45p per mile
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We are looking for a caring, energetic, and reliable Personal Assistant to support our fun-loving 13-year-old daughter, who is autistic and has epilepsy. She is a vibrant, semi-verbal young girl who loves being out and about, especially trips to the park, McDonald’s, KFC, local shops, and enjoying music, dancing, and singing along to pop songs.
This is a hands-on and active role suited to someone patient, engaging, and happy to join in with the things she enjoys most. You’ll support her both at home and in the community, helping her safely enjoy activities and new experiences in a structured and positive way.
Our daughter requires constant supervision as she may wander or run off quickly, and she follows a strict routine, so we’re looking for someone calm, attentive, adaptable, and understanding of her individual needs.
Experience with autism or epilepsy is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided, including Buccal Midazolam administration.
If you are warm, responsible, and passionate about making a real difference to a young person’s life, we would love to hear from you.
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Duties include
- Medication prompting/administering
- Eating and drinking assistance
- Other relevant duties as required
- Transportation
- Companionship
- Bathroom assistance
What You'll Be Doing
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Outings & Activities
Accompany her on fun trips to parks, restaurants, shops, and other places she enjoys. Spend time with her at home doing favourite activities like dancing, jumping, running, and singing.
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Exploration & Growth
Encourage and support her to try new experiences in a safe, structured way.
- 1:1
Support & Supervision
Provide consistent, attentive care to ensure her safety and wellbeing at all times.
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Safety Awareness
Stay alert to surroundings and be ready to act quickly, especially near roads or unfamiliar environments.
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Risk Awareness
Help her build understanding of potential dangers in a gentle, supportive way.
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Communication Support
Use alternative communication methods to understand her needs and help her express herself. She is semi-verbal and uses aids at school.
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Routine & Comfort
Respect her routines and preferred ways of doing things, helping her feel secure and understood.
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Emotional Support
Help her recognise and manage triggers that may cause distress.
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Medical Care
Follow her Epilepsy Emergency Care Plan and carry Buccal Midazolam at all times (training provided). Administer other medication as needed.
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Personal Care
Provide minimal support with toileting and ensure ear defenders are available when needed (e.g. noisy public toilets).
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Mealtime Support
Assist with food and drink routines—she feeds herself independently but prefers familiar foods and venues.
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Transport
Drive her to activities using your own car (mileage reimbursed @ 45p per mile). Help with getting in/out of the car, seatbelt use, and applying safety locks.
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Activity Logistics
Book activities, pay entrance fees (covered), and order food or drinks as needed.
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Flexibility
Carry out any other reasonable tasks that support her enjoyment, safety, and development.
Candidate qualities
- Experience with autism and epilepsy is preferred, but full training will be provided—including administering
- Buccal Midazolam (emergency medication), which must be carried at all times once trained.
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.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.