Au Pair and Companion for a 13-year-old Autistic and deaf …, Durban

Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate, energetic, and engaging individual to work as both an au pair and companion for a 13-year-old Autistic and deaf (with cochlear implants) child based in Ballito, KZN. The child in question is a sweet, inquisitive teenager who loves technology, the outdoors, and hands-on activities. He enjoys watching the sunrise and sunset, swimming at the beach, exploring new interests, and staying active and engaged. His family is looking for somebody who can build a meaningful connection with him by becoming a trusted companion, mentor, and positive role model, while also supporting him in developing confidence, independence, and social skills. This role would suit somebody who is patient, fun-loving, emotionally attuned, and genuinely passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals. The ideal candidate will bring warmth, consistency, creativity, and a sense of adventure to his afternoons and evenings.

Main Purpose of the job: In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and caring family environment. Responsibilities will include collecting him from school in Umhlanga and transporting him home safely, as well as spending afternoons and evenings engaging with him through activities, outings, shared interests, and everyday routines.

Job Objectives:

• To collaborate with a team to support the child’s needs.
  
• To facilitate social engagements with peers when needed and enhance social learning.
  
• To understand, accommodate and alleviate his sensory difficulties and anxiety.
  
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Requirements

• Genuine passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals
  
• Experience working with children/teens, particularly those that are neurodivergent.
  
• Experience/learning relating to neurodivergence, particularly autism spectrum disorder, are advantageous
  
• A gentle and kind, supportive, and child-led approach to working with children.
  
• An intuitive ability to build authentic, respectful relationships with teenagers
  
• Ability to work independently and be creative about activities and outings to do with him
  
• Availability weekdays – 16h00 to 20h00 Monday to Friday. As well as the occasional Saturday / Sunday afternoon, and occasional overnight stay.
  
• Fluent in English
  
• Candidate should pride themselves in their empathy, kindness and ability to implement boundaries in a gentle but firm manner.
  
• Candidate should be patient, flexible and adaptable, and open to constructive feedback, as well as resilient enough to manage the child’s fluctuating capacity.
  
• Candidates should consider themselves reliable, responsible and have an ability to maintain consistency and structure.
  

 

Benefits

There will be an opportunity to be trained by the NDC Facilitation Academy when the role commences, and support sessions are provided for one month thereafter, working in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team based at the Neurodiversity Centre.

Requirements
General Requirements: • A valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential. • Previous experience supporting young neurodiverse children – Desirable. • Experience as a facilitator for neurodiverse children – Desirable. • A heart for long-term commitment (preferably 2 years) – Essential • Job-Related work experience: • - Previous experience in a role supporting neurodivergent children - Essential. • - Previous experience in teaching - Desirable • - Familiarity with special education strategies, curriculum adaptation, and life skills training. Job-Related Knowledge - Familiarity and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Essential. • - Familiarity with low arousal, child-led, neuro-affirming approach - Essential. • - Patience, empathy, and a commitment to building a trusting, supportive relationship with the child. • - Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust to the child’s needs and family’s schedule. • - Relevant certifications or qualifications in education, special education, psychology, or related fields – Desirable. Job-Related Skills: • - Ability to minimise stress and anxiety for both children by utilising a low arousal approach - Essential. • - Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with the family and other support systems - Essential • - Organisational skills, i.e., ability to implement structure, strong time management imperative - Essential. • - Social, play and life skills – Essential. • - Relationship building skills – Essential.