Pretoria: Au pair & Tutor for 5-year-old girl with Angelman Syndrome posted by The Neurodiversity Centre

We are looking for a warm, proactive Au pair/Tutor to support a sociable and curious 5-year-old girl with Angelman Syndrome. The role focuses on learning through play, reinforcing communication using an AAC device (she is non-verbal), and supporting her developmental goals in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including her occupational therapist, speech and language therapists, and teachers. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, consistency, and a gentle presencesomeone who can confidently initiate play-based learning activities and adapt to the childs unique rhythm and strengths.

Main Purpose of the job:

To be a helping hand for their unique and specific support needs, giving them the necessary guidance and support to thrive. A special interest and passion for non-verbal children with unique needs and being a secure, long-term source of support are of the utmost importance.
The candidate will receive training from a suitably qualified member of the NDC Multidisciplinary team.

 
Job Objectives:

• Becoming a core member of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure her individual needs are consistently supported and newly acquired skills are reinforced.

• To care for and assist her in daily after school tasks and routines at home.To carry out duties such as proactively planning educational games and activities to reinforce skills learned at school and therapy sessions.

• Reinforcing of communication skills by using an AAC device

• Supporting the understanding of her individual difference sensory profile, and executive functioning (i.e. assisting with creating a routine with the use of visual aids).

• Providing companionship and physical/emotional support for her at home.

• Support and scaffolding for her regulation needs (appropriately addressing frustration with communication challenges).

Requirements

General Requirements:

       A valid drivers license and reliable car Essential.

       Fluent in Afrikaans and English Essential.

       Availability to commit to a long-term position Essential.

Job-Related work experience:

       Previous experience in working with young children Essential

       Previous experience in working with special needs children – Preferred

       Background in Early Childhood Education and/or Foundation Phase Education – Desirable

Job-Related Knowledge:

       Familiarity and knowledge of educational games Essential

       Familiarity and knowledge on how to reinforce communication skills with a non-verbal child – Essential

       Familiarity and knowledge of Angelman Syndrome Desirable.

       Willingness to familiarise oneself with using an AAC device – Essential

Job-Related Skills:

       The ability to proactively plan and engage in educational games with the child – Essential

       Able to acquire the ability to use an AAC device to reinforce, model and stimulate learning – Essential

       Ability to minimise frustration and anxiety for her by utilising a low arousal approach – Essential.

       Strong communication skills with the child, multidisciplinary team and parents Essential.

       Organisational skills, i.e., ability to implement structure, strong time management imperative – Essential.

       Pro-activity and ability to take initiative – Essential

       Social, play and life skills Essential.

       Relationship building skills – Essential.

Ability to take initiative and be proactive in structuring play time with the child – Essential

Benefits

Benefits:

       Support and training from a multi-disciplinary team knowledgeable in the field of Neurodiversity.

Working Hours & Compensation:

        Mondays Fridays 12:30-16:30

        Salary: R8,000 R9,500 negotiable depending on qualifications and/or experience

        Although transporting the child or undertaking travel as part of this role is not typically required, any such travelwhen relevantwill be reimbursed at the AA rate per kilometre. This excludes travel between the employees home and primary place of work.

        Opportunity to assist during school holidays for outings, activities, or additional support

Please note we will only contact applicants that have been shortlisted, thank you for your time.