Summary: Seeking a compassionate, patient, and adaptable support person to assist a young male with a disability, focusing on personal care and daily routine while fostering trust and a safe environment. Highlights: 1. Focus on building trust and rapport in a low-pressure environment 2. Opportunity to work closely with family for personalized care 3. Flexible hours and gradual integration into client's routine Please note: This role is being advertised on behalf of a client and their whānau. The successful applicant will be employed directly by the family. Renaissance Group is assisting with recruitment only. We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and adaptable support person to work with a young male individual with a disability. This role involves assisting with personal care and supporting the client’s daily routine, all while fostering a safe and respectful environment. The client is mostly nonverbal but can communicate using simple words and sentences. He expresses himself more clearly with his family, so the ability to be observant and patient as you gradually build trust with the client is key. This is a gradual process that involves building a relationship through presence, careful observation, and gentle interaction with both the client and his family. The role will start with observation and being around the client to help him get accustomed to the new support person. Successful candidates will have: *Personal Care Assistance: Support the client with personal care tasks, including showering, toileting, and dressing, while maintaining the client’s dignity and comfort at all times. *Building Communication: Understand and respond to the client’s nonverbal cues. The client primarily communicates through simple words and sentences, and will express himself more easily with the family. You will need to be patient and attentive to his responses and body language. *Relationship-Building: Spend time with the client in a low-pressure environment, allowing the client to get used to you. Establish trust and familiarity before hands-on support begins. *Collaboration with Family: Work closely with the family to ensure you understand their approach to care and communication, taking guidance on how best to support the client. *Safety & Comfort: Ensure the client is safe, comfortable, and respected at all times, especially in situations where personal care is involved. *Daily Support: Assist with the client’s daily routine and activities, such as interacting in the home or participating in community-based outings (if applicable in the future). Essential Qualities: *Comfortable with diversity: You must be respectful and supportive of the queer family dynamic. *Patience and empathy: Given the client’s limited verbal communication, you must be patient and sensitive, responding to subtle cues and providing support as needed. *Calm and assertive: The role demands someone who is able to remain calm and confident while navigating both routine and potentially more challenging situations. *Comfort with personal care tasks: This includes providing support during showering and toileting, and being comfortable with situations where the client may be undressed at times. *Adaptable and flexible: You should be willing to adapt your approach to care as the client’s preferences evolve and as you get to know him better. *A sense of humour: A genuine sense of humour is important. Being able to use light, respectful humour to ease tension and keep things positive can make a big difference, especially in challenging situations. Preferred Experience: *Experience in disability support or personal care is helpful but not essential *Ability to engage with nonverbal communication (through gestures, expressions, and simple words) *First aid certification (a plus) *Experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with communication challenges would be beneficial *A driver’s license (if travel for outings or community activities is part of the future plan) Hours & Pay: *Flexible hours, to be agreed with the family *Gradual integration into the client’s routine, starting with observation and relationship-building *Pay rate negotiable based on experience and qualifications If you are interested in this position and would like to apply, please send a brief cover letter and your CV to navid.t@ren2001.co.nz, outlining: • Why this role resonates with you • Any relevant experience with nonverbal communication or disability support • Your availability and preferred working hours