Au Pair and Companion for a 13 -year -old Autistic and deaf (with cochlear implants) child based in

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.
  
• 
  

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.