Support Worker

Southdown; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday plus bank holiday

Job summary

Southdown is recruiting a dedicated Support Worker in Burgess Hill (West Sussex) to help adults with learning disabilities live independently and with dignity. You will assist with daily living tasks, support community involvement, and provide compassionate care in a stable, permanent role.

Prior experience is welcome but not essential; full training is provided. Salary is £13.45 per hour with shift allowances. The role promotes a rewarding, varied workday at Roman Court.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently with dignity.
• Assist with daily living activities such as cooking, cleaning and personal care.
• Encourage clients to engage with community activities (walks, cinema, shopping, cafés).
• Build clients' confidence and independence through empowering care.

Skills

Empathetic approach

Willing to assist personal care

DBS check required

Education

Southdown health & social care training including moving and handling, PBS, safeguarding, health protocols

Job description

Support Worker

Application Deadline: 15 November 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: West Sussex - Burgess Hill

Reporting To: Service manager

Compensation: £13.45 / hour

Description

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

Location: Roman Court, Burgess Hill

Salary: £13.45 per hour + shift allowances

Hours: 25 per week

Allowances (dependent on working times)

• Unsociable hours uplift: £4.51 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 £4.51 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.

What you’ll be doing

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: Roman Court

The service provides support for 5 people with learning disabilities. Roman Court is a purpose-built block of flats which opened in 2004. The supported living scheme comprises of the 6 self-contained flats on the top floor of the building. One of the flats functions as the office, staff sleep-in room and communal space. The property is in the centre of Burgess Hill with the railway station, bus stops and main shopping area within close walking distance.

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.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked)

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you need for the role

• 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)

What would be nice

• Experience supporting people with physical or cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health issues
• Experience handling challenging behaviour