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The Neurodiversity Centre

Discussion

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

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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.


The successful candidate will focus on building a relationship based on trust, respect, acceptance, and genuine connection. The role will involve being able to work independently, and planning enjoyable and engaging activities that align with his interests and sensory profile. Also including: encouraging communication and social engagement, supporting independence, and helping to create a structured yet enjoyable afternoon routine. There may also be occasions where assistance is needed with aspects of his evening and bedtime routine.


The successful candidate will work closely with his family and multidisciplinary team to implement practical support strategies that promote emotional wellbeing, communication, life skills, social development, and overall quality of life.
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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.



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