Support Worker

Southdown; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit provider in Sussex seeks a compassionate Support Worker to assist individuals with learning disabilities in living fuller, independent lives. The role involves encouraging client engagement and supporting daily tasks. Full training is provided, making prior experience welcome but not essential. Perks include a health cost cashback scheme, interest-free loans, and 22 days paid annual leave. The position requires a patient approach and a willingness to support personal care needs.

Benefits

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to discount services

Free advice and counselling service

22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Completion of training in health & social care.
• Enhanced DBS check, covered by Southdown.
• Ability to assist with mobility and participate in activities.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently.
• Encourage clients to engage in community activities.
• Assist with daily living tasks like cooking and cleaning.

Skills

Patient approach

Empathetic approach

Willingness to support personal care

Job description

Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.

Location: St Botolphs, Worthing

Salary: £12.96 per hour

Hours: 30 to 35 per week

Allowances (dependent on working times)

• Unsociable hours uplift: £4.40 extra per waking night shift
• Sleep-in shifts: £61 per shift (10pm–7am)
• Sleep-in disturbance: If disturbed for 1–4 hours, you get the unsociable hours uplift plus normal hourly pay for time worked. If disturbed for 4+ hours, you’re paid normal hourly rate for the entire shift plus the £4.40 allowance.

Who are we:

• Southdown is a not-for-profit provider supporting 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities across Sussex. We run 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes.

About the role

Are you passionate about making a real difference? We’re seeking a compassionate and adaptable Support Worker to help individuals live independently and with dignity. Your role involves encouraging clients to connect with their community through activities like walks, cinema, shopping, and café visits, alongside supporting daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.

You’ll help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care in a rewarding role where no two days are the same.

Previous experience in roles such as Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Nurse, or Mental Health Care Worker is welcome but not essential, as full training will be provided.

"The best thing about my job is the clients. Getting to know them, getting to know their characters and just enjoying life with them’ – Karen, Southdown Support Worker.

Service Description

St Botolphs is a supported living service for 8 adults with learning disabilities. The property has eight self-contained flats over two floors, with four flats on each floor. Each flat has a bedroom, lounge, kitchenette and a large walk-in shower room. Each floor of the property also has a large communal lounge and kitchen area, a fully adapted bathroom with bath and shower facilities, and outside space both upstairs (balcony) and downstairs (garden). The property is in a quiet road near local amenities and public transport.

Our clients are supported to lead active, fulfilling lives and are supported to make the most of their local community while developing each client’s choice, control and independence.

You will be based at our St Botolphs service but may be required to work at other locations as and when needed.

Perks and benefits

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked)

Qualifications and skills

• A patient, empathetic approach
• Completion of Southdown’s training in health & social care, moving and handling, Positive Behaviour Support, safeguarding, and health protocols
• Willingness to support intimate and personal care needs
• Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Southdown)

Nice to have

• Experience supporting people with physical or cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health issues
• Experience handling challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of medication administration and record-keeping
• Previous professional or personal care experience
• Familiarity with Makaton or other non-verbal communication methods

Additional requirements

• Physical ability to assist with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs, supporting bathing) and participate in activities like long walks
• Due to the nature of care, the post may sometimes be restricted to applicants of a particular sex in line with the Equality Act 2010, depending on client needs

Training

Full training is provided, so no prior experience is necessary. You’ll gain qualifications and develop your skills with the largest housing, care and support provider in Sussex.

How to apply

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the advertisement is closed if a suitable candidate is identified.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.