Support Worker - (Waking Nights) - Mill Lane

Southdown; Brighton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; 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

Job summary

Southdown is a not-for-profit provider supporting adults with learning and physical disabilities. Mill Lane in Hove hosts a 5-bed care setting where a Support Worker helps residents with daily living, personal care, and community activities, guided by detailed care plans.

The role offers 18 hours per week, with occasional waking nights (11pm–7am). Full training is provided and DBS checks are arranged by Southdown to ensure safeguarding and high-quality care.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Encourage 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.
• Help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care.
• Support clients with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.

Skills

Empathy

Health & social care training

Personal care support

Enhanced DBS check

Job description

Description

Application Deadline: 16 September 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Location: Brighton and Hove - Portslade

Compensation: £13.45 / hour

Location: Portslade, Hove

Salary: £13.49 per hour

Hours: 18 hours per week

Waking nights: this role requires you to stay awake overnight between 11pm-7am.

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

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:

Mill Lane is a care home for 5 adults with severe learning disabilities and physical needs, situated in a residential area of Hove. As a support worker you will support clients with a range of needs and follow comprehensive care plans. This will include personal care, medication administration, and modelling positive behaviour support. You will be based at Mill Lane 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

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.