Support Worker - Children

Chailey Heritage Foundation; Lewes; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave allowance 25–30 days

Healthcare

Pension

DBS costs covered

Free onsite parking

Onsite cafe

Job summary

Chailey Heritage Foundation is seeking a dedicated Support Worker in Children’s Services in North Chailey. You will provide hands-on care, support daily routines, and promote independence for children with complex disabilities in our onsite school and residential setting.

Flexibility is essential to cover term-time shifts, weekends, and holidays. The role includes extensive training, a funded Level 3 Diploma, and opportunities to progress within Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Qualifications

• Experience in care or supporting people with disabilities is welcome but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence is a bonus.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on care and support for children and young people with complex disabilities.
• Assist with daily routines, eating, medication and mobility as per individual care plans.
• Support inclusion in activities, outings and education with safeguarding and wellbeing priorities.
• Collaborate with residential, education and therapy teams for consistent, person-centred care.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Willingness to learn

Driving licence

Job description

Explore Possibilities Every Day – Become a Support Worker in Children’s Services at Chailey Heritage Foundation!

Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, have fun and achieve things they never thought possible.
At Chailey Heritage Foundation, our Support Workers make that happen.

Working in our Children’s Services, you’ll support children with complex disabilities to get ready for the school day in our onsite specialist school, welcome them home afterwards, encouraging independence and create moments of joy every single day.
This is a hands‑on role where you’ll provide personal care and support, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment where young people can learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences. No two days are ever the same, and every day brings the opportunity to make a genuine difference.
If you’re caring, resilient, positive and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary:

£26,744 - £29,205 FTE per annum (depending on experience)

Enhancements:

Weekends up to 50% /Bank Holidays 100% + Time in Lieu / Split Shift 10%

Location:

North Chailey (BN8 4EF)

Working Pattern

Providing consistent, high-quality care to the children and young people we support means flexibility is an essential requirement of this role.

During Term Time,

You will be required to work a range of the following shifts:

• Split Shift: 7:00am - 10:00am and 3:00pm - 9:00pm
• Morning Shift: 7:00am - 10:00am (3 hours)
• Evening Shift: 3:00pm - 9:00pm (6 hours)

Split shifts are a key part of Children’s Services during term time, ensuring children and young people are supported with their morning routines before attending school and again when they return home. During the school day, they are supported by our education colleagues.

Depending on the needs of the service, there may also be occasions when only a morning or evening shift is required.

Weekends, Bank Holidays and School Holidays (including Half Terms):

During these periods, colleagues will work one of the following shift patterns:

• 7:00am - 2:00pm
• 2:00pm - 9:00pm
• 7:00am - 9:00pm

Please note: Flexibility is an essential requirement of this role. To meet the individual needs of the children and young people we support, applicants must be able to work a variety of shift patterns, including split shifts during term time, as well as evenings, weekends, bank holidays and school holiday periods.

(Bank contracts currently unavailable. Sponsorships not offered.)

Why Join Us?

Chailey Heritage Foundation is more than a workplace – we’re a thriving community of support for children, young people and families living with complex disabilities. We’re here to listen and explore what’s possible, together.

You’ll find:

• A true sense of purpose and belonging.
• A supportive team that values empathy and compassion.
• Extensive training and career progression opportunities, including a fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

What You'll Do

As a Support Worker, you'll provide hands‑on care while helping children and young people enjoy meaningful experiences and achieve their goals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting children and young people with their daily routines, including personal and intimate care, while always promoting dignity and independence.
• Helping with eating, drinking, medication and other healthcare needs, including supporting those with epilepsy.
• Assisting with mobility, specialist equipment and moving and handling, following individual care plans.
• Encouraging participation in activities, hobbies and community outings, helping create enjoyable and meaningful experiences.
• Working closely with colleagues across our residential, education and therapy teams to provide consistent, person‑centred care.
• Promoting safeguarding, wellbeing and positive outcomes for every child and young person.
• You’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to develop your skills, build your confidence and progress your career with Chailey Heritage Foundation.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Empathy, patience and a positive, can‑do attitude.
• A willingness to provide hands‑on care while supporting children with physical disabilities to take part in activities and experiences.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The flexibility to work a variety of shift patterns, including evenings, weekends, public holidays and split shifts during term‑time.
• A willingness to learn and develop through our comprehensive training programme.

Previous experience in care or supporting people with disabilities is welcome but not essential, as full training will be provided. A full UK driving licence and willingness to drive Foundation vehicles would also be a bonus!

More Thank Just Your Salary

We believe in nurturing potential - for the children and young people we support, and for our colleagues too. That's why we invest in you with:

• Competitive salary
• 25–30 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
• Healthcare Cash Plan, wellbeing support and a 24/7 Doctor Line
• Enhanced pension scheme and Death in Service benefit
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retail and leisure discounts
• Free onsite parking
• Onsite café and kitchen facilities

We'll also cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check and all future renewals.

Take the Next Step

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

For full details of the role, please view the Support Worker Job Description.

Discover more about Chailey Heritage Foundation, our values and the work we do on our website. Chailey Heritage Foundation website

Deadline:

We review applications as they are received and may invite suitable candidates to interview before the closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for a role in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in accordance with UK GDPR. Please ensure you have read our Privacy Policy before submitting your application.