Job Description

• Suffolk Independent Living
• Address: Old Newton, Stowmarket, Suffolk
• Salary: £12.71 per hour
• Hours: 5 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0726

A caring and reliable Carer is required to provide one‑to‑one care for a 13‑year‑old autistic young person in their home.

This role is designed to offer essential support while enabling the family to spend time together on outings that the young person finds overwhelming. It also gives parents occasional, well‑deserved respite.

The young person is generally easy‑going and happiest in a calm, familiar home environment.

Support is required with everyday tasks such as opening food packets and making drinks, as well as personal care, including toileting. Bathroom use can be sensory‑overloading, so patience, understanding, and sensitivity are essential.

About J

J is a happy 13‑year‑old who enjoys spending time at home, particularly upstairs in their own lounge space. They love watching programs on their iPad and have a strong interest in Disney, especially Cars and Toy Story. J has a number of cherished toys and values their belongings greatly.

J communicates minimally but can express discomfort or annoyance when needed. They enjoy routine, familiarity, and known places, and find large crowds and unfamiliar environments challenging. Family is very important to J, especially their older brother.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing full personal care support, including toileting and changing continence pads following urine or bowel movements.
• Preparing and offering appropriate food in line with agreed dietary guidance throughout the day.
• Making drinks as required, such as squash.
• Ensuring the young person’s safety and wellbeing at home at all times.
• Carrying out regular checks and providing reassurance during the day.
• Reporting any concerns, issues, or changes in behaviour or wellbeing promptly to J’s parents

Personal Specification

No specific qualifications necessary, however the ability to work independently, directly supporting an Autistic teen is essential. Reliability is also very important.

Essential Criteria

• Patience.
• Flexibility.
• Strong communicator.
• Empathy.
• Reliable.
• Ability to work independently.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a special needs role (support/care/schooling).
• Experience with Autistic children preferred.

Please refer to these criteria points when submitting your application.

terms and conditions

• Hours, days and times of work: Usually on a Saturday or Sunday for an 8-hour period. Occasionally covering during the week.
• Pay rate: £12.71 per hour
• Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
• Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
• Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
• Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme

The post is subject to the following

• Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
• If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, please send these details to SIL in a separate email or in a sealed envelope together with a stamped addressed envelope. This will not be shared unless you are shortlisted for the post.
• References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed.
• Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by email to suffolk@silmail.org

Alternatively, you can return your completed application via post to SIL, Unit 21, IP City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD, quoting the SIL job reference number 5262.

Closing date: 4.30 pm, 27 May 2026.

Although this job description is correct at present, it may change from time to time after negotiation with the post holder.