Support Worker (Night Shift)

Southdown; Brighton; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday plus bank holids

Job summary

Southdown is seeking a compassionate Support Worker in Brighton to help adults with learning disabilities live independently and with dignity. You’ll assist with daily living tasks, accompany clients on community activities, and support personal care and mobility.

This role requires a patient, empathetic mindset, willingness to complete Southdown training, and an Enhanced DBS check paid by Southdown. The position is based in Brighton, with 20 hours per week and a shift pattern including waking

Qualifications

• Patient and empathetic mindset.
• Training provided by Southdown in health and social care, moving and handling, Positive Behaviour Support and safeguarding, safety, risk management and health protocols.
• Willing to support clients with intimate and personal care.
• Physical ability to assist with mobility and bathing.
• Enhanced DBS check paid by Southdown.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with daily living tasks to promote independence.
• Assist with mobility and personal care, including long walks and transfers.
• Encourage engagement with community activities and outings (beach, cinema, shopping, cafés).
• Ensure clients’ safety and wellbeing and model positive behaviour support.

Skills

Empathy

Job description

Description

Application Deadline: 9 December 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Location: Brighton and Hove - Brighton

Compensation: £13.82 / hour

Location: Brighton, East Sussex

Salary: £13.82 per hour plus an extra £4.51 per shift for waking nights

Hours: 20 per week

Waking nights: this role requires you to stay awake overnight between 10pm-7am

Who are we:

Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support for 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities in our 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes across Sussex.

What you’ll be doing:

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity? We’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This role is all about helping individuals stay connected to their community and supporting them with daily living tasks in a respectful and empowering way.

As a support worker you’ll encourage a sense of fun by supporting clients to access their community, including walks along the beach, cinema, shopping, and café visits, as well as activities within the service. You’ll help clients to live well by supporting them with everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking and personal care. We’re looking for compassionate individuals to help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care, and in return, we offer a rewarding job where no two days are the same.

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Health Care Assistant, Care Assistant, Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Nurse, Social Care Worker, Senior Care Assistant, Mental Health Care Worker, Nursing Home Assistant, Personal Assistant or Residential Care Worker, however, this is not essential and 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:

Southdown Court is a supported living service in Brighton for 6 adults with learning disabilities. Each client lives in their own flat. The service has been set up specifically to support people who, due to the way they express their emotions, may not be happy to live in a traditional supported living setting. As a support worker you’ll ensure clients are safe and feel supported. You’ll model positive behaviour support and help with emotional wellbeing.

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 mindset.
• To complete the relevant training provided by Southdown in health and social care, moving and handling, Positive Behaviour Support and safeguarding, safety, risk management and health protocols.
• Happy to support clients with intimate and personal care needs.
• Physical ability to assist with mobility, such as pushing wheelchairs, taking long walks, and supporting with bathing.
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.

What would be nice:

• Experience working with clients with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities, including those with learning disabilities or mental health challenges.
• Experience dealing with challenging situations (including managing clients who may exhibit aggressive behaviour or distress).
• An understanding of medication types, dosage, administration methods, and record‑keeping practices.
• Previous care experience, either professionally or with family members.
• An understanding of Makaton or non‑verbal communication.

Training:

We offer full training for this position, so you don’t need direct experience. You’ll also gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.