Carer

• Suffolk Independent Living (SIL)
• Address: Old Newton, Stowmarket, Suffolk
• Salary: £12.71 per hour
• Hours: minimum of 5 hours available per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0976

Suffolk Independent Living are supporting a family acting as an independent employer, with the search for a caring, patient and reliable Carer to support a friendly 14 year old young person with autism.

The role will involve providing companionship and support at home, assisting with day-to-day activities, and helping with personal care when required.

As the successful candidate, you will enable the young person to enjoy a safe, comfortable and positive environment whilst providing valuable respite support for their family.

About Me

My name is 'J' and I am a happy and easy-going 14-year-old who enjoys spending time at home. I love watching programmes on my iPad and am a big fan of Disney films, particularly Cars and Toy Story.

I have autism, which means that busy environments and large crowds can be overwhelming for me. I enjoy routine and feel most comfortable in familiar surroundings and places that I know well. Although I am not very verbal, I can communicate my needs and feelings, especially when something is causing me discomfort.

My belongings are very important to me, and I enjoy spending time in my own space surrounded by my favourite toys and interests.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support with all aspects of personal care, including toileting and changing continence pads following bowel movements or urination, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Prepare and provide food and drinks in line with dietary requirements and preferences.
• Support with making drinks, such as squash, throughout the day.
• Ensure the young person remains safe and well within the home environment.
• Carry out regular wellbeing checks and provide appropriate supervision.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship whilst respecting established routines and preferences.
• Report any concerns, incidents or changes in wellbeing promptly to the parents.

Person Specification

Please refer to these criteria when completing your application.

No formal qualifications are required, however, experience of supporting children or young people with autism, or individuals with additional needs, would be beneficial.

The ability to work independently, demonstrate patience and build a trusting relationship is essential.

Essential Criteria

• Patient, calm and understanding approach.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Able to work independently using own initiative.
• Good communication skills.
• Empathetic and caring nature.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Respectful of confidentiality and personal dignity.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a care, support, education or special needs setting.
• Experience supporting autistic children or young people.
• Understanding of autism and sensory needs.
• Experience providing personal care.

Summary Terms and Conditions

• Hours of work: Usually 8 hours on a Saturday or Sunday, with occasional weekday cover required.
• Annual leave: Holiday entitlement is equivalent to 5.6 weeks per year, calculated pro rata in line with statutory requirements.
• Expenses: Pre-approved expenses incurred whilst carrying out duties will be reimbursed.
• Sick pay: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be paid where eligibility criteria are met. No additional occupational sick pay scheme is provided.
• Pension: The employer will meet their statutory pension obligations through the NEST pension scheme.

Additional Information

• DBS Check: This role requires a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List check.
• References: Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two referees. One referee should be a current or most recent employer. Character references may be accepted where the applicant has not previously been employed.
• Probationary Period: The successful applicant will be subject to a six-month probationary period.
• Must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role, sponsorship not available.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (Word), and although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.

To find out more, please either call 01473 603876 or email suffolk@silmail.org

How to apply

To apply, please complete the Application Form via the SIL website, quoting the SIL reference number 5345.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 6 November 2026.