Personal Assistant (5239)
| Posting date: | 24 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £13 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 26 March 2026 |
| Location: | Diss, Norfolk |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Suffolk Independent Living |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 5239 |
Summary
Personal Assistant required in Diss, Suffolk
4 hours available per week during term time and 8 hours per week during school holidays
£13.00 per hour
Job reference: 5239
Job description
Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.
Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.
Job purpose
To assist with the care of a child with additional needs.
About me
We are a family of four living on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, 15 minutes from Diss. We enjoy spending time outdoors, including walking, visiting parks and being around nature and animals.
Our son has severe autism, and we are seeking a personal assistant with previous relevant experience to support him in all aspects of his care. This role will at times involve providing 1:1 support. We are looking for someone who is kind, calm, patient, and reliable, and who will actively encourage and support our son’s development in a positive and respectful way.
The successful candidate will be employed directly by me (mum). Clear communication and the ability to follow guidance are important, as consistency is essential for our son’s wellbeing. You will be expected to work in line with our family’s routines and preferences while maintaining a professional approach at all times.
Confidentiality is essential. The successful candidate must respect our family’s right to privacy, dignity and respect, and understand the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries within a family home.
Mobile phone use during working hours is not permitted, except in emergencies or for necessary communication with me.
Full details of the duties involved and the qualities we are seeking are outlined on the following pages. When submitting your application, please clearly explain how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Supporting our son while out and about, including in the community, on walks and at parks
Supporting our son within the home environment
Engaging in play and activities that encourage learning, development and enjoyment
Providing calm and patient support with emotional regulation and transitions when needed
Assisting with basic personal care, including toileting (he is toilet trained but may require support at times)
Assisting with food and drink requirements, following guidance provided
Supporting safety and wellbeing during all activities
Working in line with established routines and strategies, under parental guidance
Communicating any relevant information or concerns to me as needed
Demonstrating compassion, empathy and respect for our son’s individual needs
Personal Specification
(refer to these when submitting your application)
Essential Criteria
Good communication skills
Ability to structure play and educational experiences
Empathetic and compassionate
Organised
Able to work alone
Ability to deal with aggressive behaviours
Physically able to run after my son in the event that he runs off
Experience dealing with additional needs
Good standard of English
Driver
Desirable Criteria
Makaton
PECS
Experience of autism or working with a child with additional needs
Summary terms and conditions
Hours, days and times of work: 4 hours per week during term time. 8 hours per week during school holidays – to be arranged and used flexibly. There is a possibility of additional hours in longer holidays.
Pay rate: £13.00 per hour
Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
The post is subject to the following
Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed
Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form and return it to SIL, quoting the job reference number 5239.
Please refer to the job description.
Online form: https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/application-form-1
Email: suffolk@silmail.org Telephone: 01473 603876
Post - Address: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD
4 hours available per week during term time and 8 hours per week during school holidays
£13.00 per hour
Job reference: 5239
Job description
Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.
Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.
Job purpose
To assist with the care of a child with additional needs.
About me
We are a family of four living on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, 15 minutes from Diss. We enjoy spending time outdoors, including walking, visiting parks and being around nature and animals.
Our son has severe autism, and we are seeking a personal assistant with previous relevant experience to support him in all aspects of his care. This role will at times involve providing 1:1 support. We are looking for someone who is kind, calm, patient, and reliable, and who will actively encourage and support our son’s development in a positive and respectful way.
The successful candidate will be employed directly by me (mum). Clear communication and the ability to follow guidance are important, as consistency is essential for our son’s wellbeing. You will be expected to work in line with our family’s routines and preferences while maintaining a professional approach at all times.
Confidentiality is essential. The successful candidate must respect our family’s right to privacy, dignity and respect, and understand the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries within a family home.
Mobile phone use during working hours is not permitted, except in emergencies or for necessary communication with me.
Full details of the duties involved and the qualities we are seeking are outlined on the following pages. When submitting your application, please clearly explain how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Supporting our son while out and about, including in the community, on walks and at parks
Supporting our son within the home environment
Engaging in play and activities that encourage learning, development and enjoyment
Providing calm and patient support with emotional regulation and transitions when needed
Assisting with basic personal care, including toileting (he is toilet trained but may require support at times)
Assisting with food and drink requirements, following guidance provided
Supporting safety and wellbeing during all activities
Working in line with established routines and strategies, under parental guidance
Communicating any relevant information or concerns to me as needed
Demonstrating compassion, empathy and respect for our son’s individual needs
Personal Specification
(refer to these when submitting your application)
Essential Criteria
Good communication skills
Ability to structure play and educational experiences
Empathetic and compassionate
Organised
Able to work alone
Ability to deal with aggressive behaviours
Physically able to run after my son in the event that he runs off
Experience dealing with additional needs
Good standard of English
Driver
Desirable Criteria
Makaton
PECS
Experience of autism or working with a child with additional needs
Summary terms and conditions
Hours, days and times of work: 4 hours per week during term time. 8 hours per week during school holidays – to be arranged and used flexibly. There is a possibility of additional hours in longer holidays.
Pay rate: £13.00 per hour
Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
The post is subject to the following
Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed
Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form and return it to SIL, quoting the job reference number 5239.
Please refer to the job description.
Online form: https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/application-form-1
Email: suffolk@silmail.org Telephone: 01473 603876
Post - Address: SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD