Support Worker

Southdown Housing Association; Worthing; 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 in Worthing is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to help adults with learning disabilities live independently and with dignity. You will support daily living tasks and activities to promote community involvement, such as walks, cinema, shopping and café visits.

Full training is provided; prior experience is welcome but not required. The role offers both part-time and full-time hours with competitive pay of £13.49 per hour.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support individuals to live independently and with dignity, assisting with activities like walks, cinema, shopping and café visits, and daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning and personal care
• Help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care; no two days are the same

Skills

Patient empathy

Willingness for personal care

Job description

Support Worker

Application Deadline: 17 September 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: West Sussex - Worthing

Reporting To: Service manager

Compensation: £13.49 / hour

Description

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

Location: Alinora Crescent, Worthing

Salary: £13.49 per hour

Hours: Part time and full time - 21 to 37 hours 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:

Alinora is a supported living service for seven adults with a learning disability. The property is made up of a bungalow with five bedrooms all with en‑suite bathrooms, and a semi‑detached converted bungalow with three individual newly developed apartments next door. It is based in Goring, one road away from the sea, and close to shops 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.

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.