Would you like to join a nice team supporting a charming 10 year old, non verbal boy with severe autism, epilepsy and other health issues. Felix is very friendly and cuddly. He loves music and his Frisbee. He can walk but uses a pushchair for longer stretches. He actually loves all physical activity - like his special bike, going for walks and being in the swimming pool and trampolining. Felix is home educated by a team of ABA tutors. He also has a little very cheeky 4 year old sister who will start school soon.
When working with him, you will be assisting him with everyday skills and activities as well as feeding, bathing and toiletting. You would often work together with a tutor to engage him in therapy and to take him to any planned activities like horse riding and swimming. But sometimes Felix is unwell after a seizure and will then just need care and nurturing and patience.
Sometimes you will also prepare food for him and his little sister. At the weekends we try to think of nice things to do. Initiative and new ideas are encouraged.
You should become good friends with both children as the role can sometimes extend to Felix’s little sister - like dropping off and picking up from school or when she joins activities.
The children also have a special dog that is being trained to be a companion for Felix. So it is important that you are not afraid of dogs.
The role also involves at least one waking night per week. When working overnight you will need to make sure that Felix is safe and alert parents in case of a seizure. The Family will need someone who is flexible and open to work occasionally (or regularly) a weekend shift as well.
This position also involves supporting mom and helping to keep kids clothes and Toys tidy. Tidying kitchen after kids meal and helping with the considerable amount of mainly children’s laundry.
This position could suit a psychology student or a student of other child related studies, or someone who already works with children part-time.
You should be responsible, cheerful, honest and very reliable and ideally in your 20s. You need to be physically strong and healthy as Felix needs a lot of support.
Felix already has a lovely team around him that gets on very well together. You will be trained by members of the team, the epilepsy and community nurses as well as the education consultant. You will also attend a health and safety course. You will be taught a little bit of the principles of ABA to make sure that Felix is dealt with consistently.
Duties
-accompany him on a lot of activities in the community (part of his curriculum) but also activities at home (like painting and sensory, games and reading to him).
- prepare meals
- help him with personal care, toileting and feeding
- general tidying
- Cooking and light house keeping for the children when required
- babysitting
- minimum 1 waking night support per week
Requirements:
- Must speak fluent English
- Must have good references
- Must be able to work sole charge and shared care
- flexibility to work some Friday evenings and on weekends
- Open minded and a positive person.
- Willing to help with the other child when needed
- not be afraid of dogs
- ideally commit for minimum a year
- ideally in your 20’s or early 30’s
Working Hours: Flexible Working Hours
Accommodation: Live Out
Salary Offered: £10 per hour
Weekly hours: minimum 20 (possibly more)
Starting Date: as soon as possible
Please reply with a small cover letter explaining why you are interested, send us your CV and relevant references. Also please send us a copy of a recent DBS if you have one, otherwise we are happy to DBS for you. Nearest Tube is Finsbury Park. Hourly pay: £10. This is not a temporary summer position as Felix needs consistency. We look forward to hearing from you.