Support Worker

Southdown Housing Association; Chichester; 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

Job summary

Southdown Housing Association is seeking a dedicated Support Worker for Windebanks in Chichester, West Sussex. You will help adults with learning disabilities lead independent, fulfilling lives, supporting daily living tasks and community connections to promote dignity and confidence.

Full and part-time roles available with shifts including evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Full training provided; DBS required and paid for by Southdown.

Qualifications

• Patient, empathetic approach to care.
• 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).

Responsibilities

• Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
• Assist with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning and personal care.
• Encourage clients to connect with their community through activities and outings.
• Support independence and confidence through empowering care.
• Work across Windebanks service and other locations as needed.

Skills

Empathy

Patient approach

Job description

Support Worker

Application Deadline: 6 October 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: Windebanks, Chichester

Salary: £13.49 per hour

Hours: Full time and part time - 24 hours (minimum) to 37 hours (maximum) per week

Working Pattern: Shifts include working evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays

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: Windebanks

Windebanks is a supported living service for five people with learning disabilities. The service is a detached property with five self-contained flats spread over two floors in a pleasant area of Donnington. Chichester town centre is within reasonable distance, and there are shops and public transport within walking distance.

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 Windebanks 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
• A full manual driving licence to operate service vehicles and support community access

Additional Requirements (sometimes needed)

• Physical ability to assist with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs, supporting bathing) and participate in activities like long walks

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.