Neurodivergent lady seeking self employed, cat Loving PA

I am a fifty-one-year-old autistic woman from Brighton. I have health anxieties, OCD, and general long-term struggles with my mental health. I was diagnosed autistic late in life, so it has been a lot to take on board although it has given some clarity with other difficulties through my life. When I was 14, I suffered panic attacks at school leading to agoraphobia and shutting down from the world for many months. This occurred again in my 20s. Due to my autism, I can get overwhelmed doing simple day to day tasks such as making a phone call, household chores etc. This is one of the areas I need help with from a personal assistant.

I enjoy art, writing, music, watching tv and I love cats.

I have, in recent years lost both my parents and I have no other family for support. The loss of my mum in 2020 was particularly hard as she gave me daily support emotionally and was my carer.

It is important to have a good understanding of autism for this role. Sometimes I can be misunderstood as rude within messages, but it is simply a case of not knowing how to put myself across or expressing frustration. I find human interaction a daily challenge. To begin with I need a strong focus on mentoring/reassurance, and messaging is my preferred method of communication. A starting point would be with the emphasis on messaging followed by meeting up for specific tasks I require help with. So, to begin with hours and timings would need to be quite flexible.

I volunteer in 2 charity shops and like a routine of set plans in my week.

Essential:
Enhanced DBS check.
Non-smoker/non-vaper
Caring compassionate non-judgmental approach.
High level of neurodiversity experience within adults.
Good timekeeping/punctuality. Lateness really stresses me.

Responsibilities:
Supporting me with tasks such as making phone calls, attending appointments, speaking on my behalf, etc.
Household tasks like managing cleaning routines, etc.
Supporting me to manage my anxiety and put things in perspective when I start catastrophizing.
Discovering opportunities and encouragement to try new things.

Other:
Good sense of humour.
Love of cats, I have 2.
Driving license so I can go to places such as the countryside and places outside Brighton. I do not drive.
Previous experience of supporting autistic adults.
Two references.

Employment subject to interview. Successful candidate to be self-employed.

Hours per week – to be negotiated or flexible.

Hourly rate – £15.00 to reflect a developed skill set with autism and neurodiversity.

To begin with , a trial period of eight weeks and continued service subject to regular reviews.

Genders which may apply for this job – Any

Hours per week – To be discussed at interview

Hourly rate – £15 per hour

Area – Brighton North

Driving licence required – Yes

Employer has pets – Yes

Employer is smoker – No

Required care experience – Mental health