Carer /Support Worker
| Posting date: | 06 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 05 April 2026 |
| Location: | Hitchin (SG4) |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Purple DPSS |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | PUR-629-450 |
Summary
Carer /Support Worker
Job ref. PUR-629-450
About the Direct Payment Holder
The client is an 8-year-old girl (almost 9) with Down’s Syndrome and Autism. She is non-verbal and communicates using a combination of Makaton signs and a symbol communication book. She has a charming personality, an infectious smile, and a giggle that often melts hearts.
She is adventurous, enjoys being independent, and loves to explore, but she does require support to help her safely access activities and social events. She can walk independently but also uses a wheelchair due to low muscle tone and hypermobility, which can cause fatigue and clumsiness, particularly on longer outings.
She also has Asthma, which is usually triggered during periods of viral illness.
Hours and rate of pay Hours: 6 hours per week
When: School holiday weeks only
Days: Flexible (hours must fall within school holiday dates)
Rate of pay:
• £18.92 per hour if self-employed
• £16.20 per hour if paye
Location Hitchin (SG4)
DBS/Checks Confirmation of DBS check
Right to Work and references will be needed.
Training Training will be offered to enable to complete the mandatory training required:
• Safeguarding Adults
• Introduction to first aid
• Health and Safety / Moving and handling
What you would be doing…
Supporting the client to attend social events and family outings, ensuring her safety, participation, and wellbeing
Providing close supervision, as the client currently lacks capacity to assess risks independently
Supporting with toileting, including assistance with cleaning afterward and reminders/supervision for handwashing
Supervising the client while eating to ensure safe seating, prevent over-stuffing of food, and monitor for signs of gagging
Providing regular reminders to drink fluids
Supporting communication by observing and responding to body language, gestures, Makaton signs, and symbols
Accompanying the family initially, with the long-term goal of supporting the client independently at social activities once trust is established
No hoisting is required for this role.
Required skills and experience
Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Understanding of Makaton (up to Stage 3 desirable)
Knowledge of Asthma, including warning signs and medication awareness
A fun, energetic, and adventurous personality
Patient, observant, and able to interpret non-verbal communication
A calm and safety-aware approach at all times
Female applicants are preferred due to potential intimate care needs
This advert complies with the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) Section 7 (2b).
Please send a CV (with 2 references) and a covering letter explaining why you would suit this role. Thank you.
* Sponsorship is not available for this role *
* No agencies please *
Job ref. PUR-629-450
About the Direct Payment Holder
The client is an 8-year-old girl (almost 9) with Down’s Syndrome and Autism. She is non-verbal and communicates using a combination of Makaton signs and a symbol communication book. She has a charming personality, an infectious smile, and a giggle that often melts hearts.
She is adventurous, enjoys being independent, and loves to explore, but she does require support to help her safely access activities and social events. She can walk independently but also uses a wheelchair due to low muscle tone and hypermobility, which can cause fatigue and clumsiness, particularly on longer outings.
She also has Asthma, which is usually triggered during periods of viral illness.
Hours and rate of pay Hours: 6 hours per week
When: School holiday weeks only
Days: Flexible (hours must fall within school holiday dates)
Rate of pay:
• £18.92 per hour if self-employed
• £16.20 per hour if paye
Location Hitchin (SG4)
DBS/Checks Confirmation of DBS check
Right to Work and references will be needed.
Training Training will be offered to enable to complete the mandatory training required:
• Safeguarding Adults
• Introduction to first aid
• Health and Safety / Moving and handling
What you would be doing…
Supporting the client to attend social events and family outings, ensuring her safety, participation, and wellbeing
Providing close supervision, as the client currently lacks capacity to assess risks independently
Supporting with toileting, including assistance with cleaning afterward and reminders/supervision for handwashing
Supervising the client while eating to ensure safe seating, prevent over-stuffing of food, and monitor for signs of gagging
Providing regular reminders to drink fluids
Supporting communication by observing and responding to body language, gestures, Makaton signs, and symbols
Accompanying the family initially, with the long-term goal of supporting the client independently at social activities once trust is established
No hoisting is required for this role.
Required skills and experience
Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Understanding of Makaton (up to Stage 3 desirable)
Knowledge of Asthma, including warning signs and medication awareness
A fun, energetic, and adventurous personality
Patient, observant, and able to interpret non-verbal communication
A calm and safety-aware approach at all times
Female applicants are preferred due to potential intimate care needs
This advert complies with the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) Section 7 (2b).
Please send a CV (with 2 references) and a covering letter explaining why you would suit this role. Thank you.
* Sponsorship is not available for this role *
* No agencies please *
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.