Support Worker

Southdown; Chichester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part 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

Job summary

Southdown is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to help adults with learning disabilities live independently and with dignity at Lennox Court, Chichester. The role involves supporting daily living tasks, encouraging community activities, and promoting confidence and independence.

You will work 27 hours per week on waking night shifts, with an hourly rate of £13.49 plus an uplift of £4.51 for night hours. Full training will be provided, and prior experience is welcome but not essential.

Qualifications

• Patient and empathetic approach.
• Completion of Southdown training in health & social care, safeguarding and related protocols.
• Willingness to support intimate and personal care needs.
• Enhanced DBS check provided by Southdown.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals to live independently and with dignity.
• Encourage community participation through walks, cinema, shopping and cafe visits.
• Assist with daily living tasks: cooking, cleaning and personal care.
• Build clients' confidence and independence through empowering care.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Personal care

Makaton

Willingness to learn

Education

Southdown training: health & social care

Enhanced DBS check

Job description

Support Worker

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: West Sussex - Chichester

Reporting To: Service manager

Compensation: £13.49 / hour

Description

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

Location: Lennox Court, Chichester

Salary: £13.49 per hour plus unsociable hours uplift: £4.51 extra per waking night shift

Hours: 27 hours per week, working waking night shifts

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: Lennox Court is a supported living service for 6 adults with learning disabilities. Lennox Court is a purpose-built, one storey building in the Parklands area of Chichester. The property has six self-contained flats – each with a specially-adapted bathroom. There is a communal lounge, dining room and kitchen where clients can socialise and take part in activities. The building is very close to the centre of Chichester (about 10 minutes’ walk) and train station (15 minutes’ walk), with frequent local buses.

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 Lennox Court 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.
• 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
• Knowledge of medication administration and record-keeping
• Previous professional or personal care experience
• Familiarity with Makaton or other non-verbal communication methods

Additional Requirements (sometimes needed)

• Physical ability to assist with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs, supporting bathing) and participate in activities like long walks
• A full manual driving licence may be needed to operate service vehicles and support community access
• 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.