Clemmie

My Requirements

Job Advertisement: Special Needs Carer for Toddler - Alex

Location: Brighton, UK
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: May
Salary: £17 per hour (negotiable based on experience and additional hours)

Overview:

I am seeking a reliable, kind, and proactive Special Needs Carer to join our family and support my two-year-old son, Alex. Alex has a rare genetic condition called Bohring-Opitz syndrome, requiring management of medications, and feeding through a tube, alongside engagement in developmental activities. The ideal candidate will bring experience, common sense, and a nurturing approach, ready to handle the joyful and challenging moments with a positive attitude.

About Us:

Alex is a delightful little boy who, despite his challenges, has a very chilled and sweet nature; he loves to chuckle, especially when tickled. As a single mother working full time as a psychologist and with a limited support network, I highly value reliability and integrity in a carer. Alex’s current carer, who is moving abroad, can provide references about our experience together.

We also share our home with my mother, who has Alzheimer’s and lives in her own flat on the ground floor, however, spends most of her time in Chichester. Additionally, we have a ten-year-old cat named Charlie. As a household we are liberal and inclusive; being LGBT+ and BAME friendly.

The Particulars:

Some of Alex's care is paid for by NHS children’s and young person’s continuing care and we also should have direct payments through social services.

I top this up and have regular salary reviews to ensure a living wage.

I will provide training for all his medical, feeding and development needs. These aren’t tasks that are very complicated but I will be there guiding you through it until you feel comfortable.

There can also be a handover period where you can shadow Alex’s current carer and get to know his routine.

One thing that will be different with Alex is that unlike other toddlers, he won’t be running around, climbing dangerous pieces of furniture or refusing to leave the playground. He loves fun and play but needs his carer to facilitate him being able to do that.

This role will require some bending down, lifting him up (he currently weighs 10 kg so not heavy) and getting down on the floor to do some of his physio exercises. I will provide back braces and baby carriers to make this easier for you.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide personalized care for Alex, focusing on his health routines including tube feeding and medication management.
• Support Alex's communication, physical skills, and transition into oral feeding as he grows more stable.
• Organize and participate in activities like Aquamovers, conductive education classes, music therapy, and playdates with other children with special needs.
• Assist with household tasks related to Alex's care, such as cleaning medical equipment, preparing purées, and organizing medications.
• Collaborate with family members and possibly educational or health professionals to ensure consistent care.
• Accompany and represent Alex in some routine meetings with medical professionals and coordinate with them as needed.
Hours:

Approximately 35.5 hours, with flexibility to negotiate based on mutual agreement. Current care schedule is three short days and two longer days:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (drop off at nursery)
• Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM.
Transport:

• Use of my car for driving him to his activities if needed.
• Carer’s permit available to park on our road.
Essential Qualifications:

Experience in caring for children with special needs.

First Aid and CPR certified.

Driving license

Verifiable references.

Committed to Alex’s long-term wellbeing and development.

Flexible and adaptive to the evolving needs of Alex and our family.


Additional Benefits:

- Guaranteed annual salary with a contract.

- Standard paid annual and sick leave, with flexibility.

- Opportunities for professional development (formal and informal), with flexibility around funding for relevant courses

- Engaging with a network of special needs families and caregivers.

- As a single mother, who has a single mother, I recognise the importance of having a work/life balance and so try hard to be able to be flexible and inclusive with Alex’s care.