Support Worker - Days

Chailey Heritage Foundation; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Annual Leave (25–30 days)

Healthcare and Wellbeing support

Pension scheme

DBS checks covered

Onsite parking

Job summary

Chailey Heritage Foundation is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to provide hands‑on care for children and young people with complex disabilities in North Chailey. The role involves personal care, safeguarding, and creating a safe, enriching environment as part of a 21–37 hour weekly rota.

Shifts include mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays, with term‑time split shifts in Children’s Services and flexible patterns across Young People’s Services.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of care needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Empathy, patience, and positive outlook on diversity.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting young people in activities.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Safeguarding: ensuring safety and well‑being tailored to their needs.
• Health and wellbeing: supporting eating, drinking, medication, and managing epilepsy.
• Mobility: assisting with powered mobility and equipment.
• Intimate care: maintaining dignity while meeting hygiene needs.
• Activities & outings: encouraging engagement in activities and trips.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

Explore Possibilities Every Day – Be a Support Worker at Chailey Heritage Foundation!

At Chailey Heritage Foundation, our Support Workers make every day count — bringing patience, warmth, and positivity to children and young people with complex disabilities.

This role is about being hands‑on, providing personal care and support, and helping to create a safe and welcoming environment where young people can learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences.

Salary: £13.90 per hour | £26,744–£29,205 FTE (depending on experience)

Enhancements:Weekends up to 50% | Bank Holidays 100% + Time in Lieu| Split Shift 10%

Location:North Chailey (BN8 4EF)

Hours:21 to 37 hrs per week | You could be scheduled on any of these shifts as part of our 4-week rota.

Working Patterns: As a Support Worker, you could work in either our Children’s Services or Young People’s Services. The role is broadly the same across both services, but the shift patterns are different. Please consider which pattern best suits your availability.

Children’s Services

Split shifts are a key part of Children’s Services during term time, supporting children and young people with their morning routines before 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.

• 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)

Young People’s Services

Support is provided throughout the day, with shifts structured around the individual needs and routines of the young people we support.

• Morning Shift: 7:00am–2:00pm
• Late Shift: 1:45pm–9:00pm

Flexibility is essential: Whichever service you work in, you must be able to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, in line with the needs of the service. If working in Children’s Services, this also includes split shifts during term time.

(Bank contracts currently unavailable. Sponsorship is not offered.)

Why Us?

This is more than a support role. It’s the start of a meaningful career where your values, compassion, and commitment can shine. At Chailey Heritage Foundation, you’ll find training, progression, and the chance to grow into new opportunities — all while making a real impact every day for children and young people with complex disabilities.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

What You'll Do:

As a Support Worker, you’ll provide hands‑on care and create unforgettable experiences for the children and young people. Your responsibilities include:

• Safeguarding:Ensuring safety and well-being tailored to their needs.
• Health and Wellbeing:Supporting eating, drinking, medication, and managing epilepsy.
• Mobility:Assisting with powered mobility and equipment.
• Intimate Care:Maintaining dignity while meeting hygiene needs.
• Activities & Outings:Encouraging engagement in exciting activities and trips.

With comprehensive training, you’ll develop the skills to excel while enriching lives every day.

What We’re Looking For:

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• A basic understanding of the care needs of individuals with physical disabilities.
• Empathy, patience, and a positive outlook on diversity.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting young people in activities.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or a willingness to drive Foundation vehicles is a bonus!

More than just your salary!

We believe in nurturing potential — for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why we invest in you with:

• Competitive Salary
• Enhanced Annual Leave – 25–30 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
• Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retail and leisure discounts
• Onsite parking
• Café, and kitchen facilities

Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to build on your care experience and step into a role where you’ll support colleagues and shape the lives of children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.

For full details of this role, you can view the Support Worker Job Description

Discover more about who we are and what we stand for on Chailey Heritage Foundation website

Deadline:Wednesday 30th September 2026, but we will be reviewing applications as they come in, so don't wait to apply.

Safeguarding Statement

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.

Privacy Statement

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in line with GDPR. Please ensure you review our privacy policy before completing an application.