Au pair requiring neurodivergence ; Newlands

Position: Au pair for a family requiring neurodivergence support (Newlands)
Location: Claremont
Job Description

We are looking for an Au Pair with a genuine interest in supporting neurodivergence for a family in Claremont / Newlands. The eldest sibling is a caring 13‑year‑old with ASD and PDA, with passions ranging from Minecraft and coding to music and crafting. His younger siblings (ages 10 and 6½) enjoy creative play such as imaginative games, crafts, and outdoor activities.

The role involves building connection through shared interests, supporting a neurodivergent 13‑year‑old with assurance and regulation, and assisting his younger siblings (10 and 6½) with homework, after‑school activities, and daily routines.

Patience and gentle guidance are important, as well as the ability to bring a calm, relaxed presence and build trust and connection with the family. This position would suit someone with the flexibility for three weekly sessions of four hours each.

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 a qualified member of the Neurodiversity Centre Multi-disciplinary team.

Job Objectives:

• Becoming a core member of the multi-disciplinary team to support the family’s unique needs.
• Being a consistent, calm source of support for the parents by providing calm companionship and emotional support for the siblings at home.
• Support and scaffolding for the family’s regulation needs – particularly for the neurodivergent sibling (lessening any uncertainty and anxiety).
• To carry out duties such as providing homework support for the younger siblings, taking them extra murals and initiating/engaging with them respectively in interest-based activities.
• Supporting the understanding of the neurodivergent sibling’s individual sensory profile and adopting a low demand, neuro-affirming approach.

Requirements

General Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential.
• Fluent in English– Essential.
• Available to start mid-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 - Essential
• Previous experience working with children – Essential.

Job-Related Knowledge:

• Familiarity with and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and PDA – Essential.
• Familiarity with a low arousal, child-led, neuro-affirming approach – Essential.

Job-Related Skills:

• Able to provide homework support.
• Transporting and accompanying children to extra murals
• Ability to minimise stress and anxiety for a neurodivergent sibling by utilising a low arousal approach - Essential.
• Strong verbal communication skills with siblings and parents – Essential.
• Social, play and life skills – Essential.
• Relationship building skills - Essential.
• Calm, patient approach that supports regulation - Essential

Benefits

Benefits:

• Support and training from a qualified member of the Neurodiversity Centre

Working Hours & Compensation:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 14h00-18h00
• Compensation: R5,760-R7,200.00 per month (or R120/hour)
• Occasionally, work may be required on Saturdays and public holidays, which will be compensated accordingly. Babysitting may be required once a month.

Requirements
General Requirements:
• A valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential.
• Previous experience supporting young neurodiverse children – Desirable.
• Experience as a facilitator for neurodiverse children – Desirable.
• A heart for long-term commitment (preferably 2 years) – Essential
• Job-Related work experience: • - Previous experience in a role supporting neurodivergent children - Essential. • - Previous experience in teaching - Desirable • - Familiarity with special education strategies, curriculum adaptation, and life skills training. Job-Related Knowledge - Familiarity and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Essential. • - Familiarity with low arousal, child-led, neuro-affirming approach - Essential.

• - Patience, empathy, and a commitment to building a trusting, supportive relationship with the child. • - Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust to the child’s needs and family’s schedule. • - Relevant certifications or qualifications in education, special education, psychology, or related fields – Desirable.

Job-Related Skills:

• - Ability to minimise stress and anxiety for both children by utilising a low arousal approach - Essential. • - Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with the family and other support systems - Essential • - Organisational skills, i.e., ability to implement structure, strong time management imperative - Essential. • - Social, play and life skills – Essential.

• - Relationship building skills – Essential.