£27,885 Gross per annum. Part Time Buddy (32 hours) for energetic and bright Mark, 9 in Wimbledon.
Title: Part time Buddy | Wimbledon
Location: Wimbledon Village, SW19
Nearest Train: Wimbledon
Wage : £27,885 gross per annum
Driver required? Essential
Use of a car? On duty
Essential: Working with autistic children, complex behavioural needs, anxiety and challenging behaviour.
Start Date:  as soon as possible
Days and Hours: Monday to Friday 2:30pm to 7:00pm, Saturday 09:00am to 6:00pm, extra hours available in the evenings and during school holidays.
Mark is a very smart, active and chatty 9-year-old with a great sense of humour. He loves rollercoasters, trampolines, climbing and swimming. He also has a great interest in buses and trains so it would be helpful to be a transport enthusiast!  Mark enjoys spending time in the transport museum and taking bus and train trips.
Mark has social, communication and sensory processing difficulties.  At times he can find it difficult to  manage his own behaviours which can be challenging to those around him.  He will require support with managing his feelings (emotional literacy). When anxious or upset, Mark can resort to obstructive and oppositional behaviour.  He enjoys trips out but you need to be aware that he has a fear of hand dryers and big dogs.
Mark attends a specialist unit within a mainstream school but his family are looking for a new school which will be more suitable to support his specific needs.
Your role will be to supervise the after-school routine and assist with homework. Mark is a whiz at maths, but sometimes struggles to find motivation for his English homework.  You will organise fun days out and different activities, take Mark swimming or climbing and liaise with his therapist and teachers. Work alongside a number of therapists, you will implement a plan which will be incorporated into his daily routine to  encourage his confidence and support him with social interaction. Mark is currently seeing a music therapist, OT,  SaLT  and PT and he has made an amazing progress since they have come on board.
You will need a good understanding of autism and extensive experience with children with ASD. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in Psychology, SEN or Occupational therapy.
This exciting position will suit an active, energetic and fun support worker who will build a trusting and engaging relationship with Mark and help him to achieve his full potential.