Job Title: Au Pair for a 12-Year-Old Neurodivergent Girl in the Kenilworth/Plumstead Area. 

We are seeking an au pair to support a 12-year-old girl with her day-to-day responsibilities. She loves playing games, drawing, spending time outdoors, soccer, tennis, reading, and architecture. We are looking for someone who is resilient, mature, patient, and gentle, with the ability to manage her daily routine and maintain consistency. The ideal candidate should have excellent executive functioning skills and a solid understanding of neurodivergence. Occasionally, support will also be required to assist her mom with various executive management tasks during the day. 

Main Purpose of the Job:
To be a “helping hand” to an individual with unique and specific support needs, providing the necessary guidance and support to help her thrive. A special interest in and passion for being a secure and consistent source of support is of the utmost importance.
The candidate will be trained by the NDC Facilitation Academy and will thereafter receive personalized support from a registered counselor for up to 4–6 weeks, working in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team.

Job Objectives:
• Support the morning routine, helping her get ready for school and dropping her off at school.
• Collect her from school and transport her home, as well as to various extra-murals, sports, therapy appointments, and other after-school activities.
• Build rapport and establish a trusting relationship with her and her mom.
• Understand, support, and respect her autonomy and regulation needs.
• Provide support and scaffolding to reduce uncertainties and alleviate potential anxiety triggers.
• Plan weekly meals and groceries needed for the household. General household management.
• Facilitate her understanding and navigation of various social contexts as needed.
• Assist with homework, exam preparation, and meeting school deadlines.
• Support her executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, problem-solving, and asking for help.
• Create and design visual resources, such as weekly or monthly planners and schedules, as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with the current multidisciplinary team in place to ensure cohesive support.

Requirements

• Fluent in English – Essential.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential.

 Qualifications:
• Psychology or occupational therapy qualification – Desirable.

Job-Related Work Experience:
• Previous experience working with neurodivergent children – Essential.
• Previous experience working with children – Essential.

Job-Related Knowledge:
• Familiarity and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) – Essential.
• Familiarity and knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Essential.
• Familiarity with a low-arousal approach – Essential.
• Knowledge of the unique support needs of neurodivergent individuals – Essential.

Job-Related Skills:
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills – Essential.
• Strong executive functioning skills – Essential.
• Social and life skills – Essential.
• Relationship-building skills – Essential.
• Creative skills – Essential.

Benefits

Support and training from a multidisciplinary team knowledgeable in the field of Neurodiversity.

Working Hours:
Monday–Friday: 06h30–16h00, with a two-hour break between 10:00–12:00. (Flexibility required).

Salary:
R12,000 – R15,000

Ideal Starting Time:
January 2025

Please email your CV to academy@neurodiversitycentre.co.za if you are interested and feel you are suitable for this position.
Note: We will only contact applicants who have been shortlisted. Thank you for your time.
Communication and feedback to applicants will pause for the holidays from 20 December and resume on 6 January 2025. However, we will continue to accept applications during this time, which will be reviewed starting 6 January 2025.