South Africa: Au pair for a 13-year-old neurodivergent boy in the Newlands area posted by The Neurodiversity Centre

We are looking for someone who shares a special passion and interest in working with neurodivergent children and who can engage in playful, light-hearted fun. This person would be assisting as an au pair to a very bright, caring, and friendly 13-year-old boy, who enjoys a range of special interests and passions, including cars, fishing, being active, music, go-karting, Formula One, Minecraft, mountain biking, Lego, and playing soccer.

This position would suit someone with the flexibility to commit to three weekly sessions of three hours each. Taking initiative to plan engaging outings and enjoyable activities would be required. A willingness to participate in and share the childs interestswhether through play, conversation, or creative explorationis essential to building a meaningful connection. 

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 in neurodiversity and being a secure, long-term source of support are of the utmost importance.

The candidate will receive training from an occupational therapist and educational psychologist 

Job Objectives:

• Becoming a core member of the multi-disciplinary team (OT, Educational Psychologist) to support his individual needs when needed.
• Providing companionship and emotional support for him at home.
• Support and scaffolding for his regulation needs (lessening any uncertainty and anxiety).
• To carry out duties such as planning outings and taking him to appointments, preparing meals and snacks.
• Supporting the understanding of his individual sensory profile, and executive functioning (i.e. assisting with creating a routine with the use of visual aids).
• Planning fun creative and active outdoor activities to do together.

Requirements

General Requirements:

• A valid drivers license and reliable car Essential.
• Fluent in English Essential.
• Availability to commit to at least 1 year Essential. 
• Available to start end of January 2026

Job-Related work experience:

• Previous experience in an au pairing role – Desirable.
• Previous experience working with neurodivergent children with ASD, ADHD and anxiety – Desirable
• Previous experience working with young children Essential. 

Job-Related Knowledge:

• Familiarity and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Desirable.
• Familiarity and knowledge of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Desirable.
• Familiarity and knowledge of developmental coordination disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) Desirable.
• Familiarity with a low arousal, child-led, neuro-affirming approach Essential.

Job-Related Skills:

• Able to proactively plan and implement fun activities and outings according to his interests.
• Transporting and accompanying the child to medical and therapeutic appointments as needed.
• Ability to minimise stress and anxiety for him by utilising a low arousal approach – Essential.
• Strong verbal communication skills with him and parents Essential.
• Organisational skills, i.e., ability to implement structure, strong time management imperative – Essential.
• Social, play and life skills Essential.
• Relationship building skills – Essential.

Benefits

Benefits:

• Support and training from his occupational therapist and educational psychologist 

Working Hours & Compensation:

• Three sessions of three hours per week (09h00-12h00 or 14h00-17h00)
• Compensation: R4,680-R5,850 per month (or R130/hour) includes school holidays.
• Additional Hours: Occasionally, work may be required on Saturdays and public holidays, which will be compensated accordingly. Babysitting may be required once a month.

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