Companion/Carer for 18-year-old with Cerebral Palsy: Durbanville WC

Background:

We are seeking two dedicated companions/facilitators to provide one-on-one support to an 18-year-old male with Cerebral Palsy, autistic tendencies, and dyspraxia.

 The client enjoys trains, airplanes, boats, and penguins, and thrives when supported with energy, enthusiasm, and predictability. We are looking for individuals who care about helping others and are prepared to provide long-term, consistent support.

Purpose of the Role:

To provide consistent, compassionate and respectful companionship and support to an 18-year-old young adult with unique strengths, challenges and support needs. The role is about being a trusted and reliable person alongside him, offering guidance, encouragement and practical support while promoting his independence, confidence and participation in everyday life.

We are looking for someone who is patient, warm, engaging and genuinely interested in building a meaningful, trusting relationship over time. A willingness to understand and support his individual communication style, interests, strengths and needs is essential.

A strong commitment to being a consistent, secure and long-term source of support is particularly important, as the relationship and sense of trust will be central to the success of the role.

Job Objectives:

·        Provide support with daily routines at home, including grooming, mealtimes, toilet routine, personal hygiene and bedtime routine.

·        Using the family vehicle to transport him to therapeutic activities and when going on outings.

·        Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to support his individual needs.

·        Ensure predictability and consistency in his daily structure and routine.

·        Using a shared calendar system for coordination and collaboration with parents.

·        Support his executive functioning, including planning, problem-solving, and reasoning.

·        Assist with regulation needs, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.

·        Understand and address his physical needs, including repeating biokineticist exercises.

·        Engage him in parallel play, modelling, and structured activities

·        Initiate and encourage physical activity, like taking him for runs, hikes or other activities.

·        Monitor emotional regulation and adapt the program as needed, always explaining why activities are done

·        Collaborate with parents and professionals using a shared calendar system.

·        Build a trusting, long-term relationship with the family.

Requirements

Requirements

General Requirements

·        Fluent in Afrikaans – Essential.

·        Valid driver’s license – Essential (vehicle provided).

·        Male candidate preferred; Christian values welcomed.

·        Presentable, neat, down-to-earth, and enthusiastic.

·        Fit, energetic, outdoors-oriented, strong, and non-smoker.

Job Related Work Experience

·        Previous experience in a supportive au pair/companion role supporting individuals with unique needs - Essential.

·        Previous experience supporting an individual with cerebral palsy - Desirable

·        Previous experience in a caregiver role – Desirable.

·        Previous experience in a type of helping profession – Desirable.

Job Related Personal Qualities

·        Outgoing, energetic and enthusiastic, able to keep him engaged throughout the day.

·        Compassionate and empathetic, with strong moral values and integrity.

·        Flexible and adaptable, able to support both structured routines and spontaneous family needs.

·        Playful and creative, bringing joy and stimulation into daily activities.

·        Honest and trustworthy, building a strong relationship of confidence with the family.

·        Emotionally grounded with excellent self-regulation and personal accountability

·        Able to maintain balance in dynamic situations

·        Mental and Emotional stamina

Job Related Knowledge

·        Familiarity with structured, low-arousal approaches – Essential.

·        Knowledge and understanding of cerebral palsy and neurodiversity – Essential.

Job Related Skills

·        Ability to minimise stress and anxiety.

·        Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

·        Ability to implement structure and visual aids where required

·        Initiative, independence, and enthusiasm.

·        Parallel Play skills

·        Life Skills
 Able to assist with planning and implementing daily activities with her using a creative and flexible approach abilities

·        Strong verbal communication skills with the client and her support team.

·        Strong organisational skills, including the ability to implement structure, manage time effectively, and contextualise time for the client—ensuring she is ready and on schedule

·        Relationship-building skills

Benefits

Role structure: working schedules and compensation

The role has been divided into two separate positions with their own schedules, respectively:

Position 1: Weekday Companion

• Monday to Thursday: 15:45 – 19:45 (4 hours per day)
  
• Friday: 11:45 – 19:45 (8 hours)
  
• Total: 24 hours per week (approx. 96 hours per month)
  

Position 2: Weekend Companion

• Saturday and Sunday: 07:45 – 19:45 (12 hours per day)
  
• Total: 24 hours per week (approx. 96 hours per month)
  

Compensation

• Salary: R10 000 per month per person.
  
• The salary is calculated on 180 hours per month, while the fixed roster covers approx. 96 hours per month.
  
• The difference (approx. 84 hours per month) accounts for school holidays and bushveld trips, when one of the companions travels with the family. Travel days are included in the salary and are not paid separately.
  

Accommodation & Transport

• A shared apartment on the property is provided for both companions.
  
• Utilities (water and electricity) are for the companions’ own account.
  
• A vehicle is provided for transporting to activities and appointments. It is not for private use.
  

School Holidays & Bushveld Trips

During school holidays, one of the companions will travel with the family to the bushveld. On these days, working hours are 07:45 – 19:45, with breaks during the day. Candidates must confirm in the interview that they are willing to travel.