Support Worker - (Waking Nights) - Mill Lane

Southdown Housing Association; Southwick; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Rail discounts

Blue Light card

Counselling service

25 days paid holiday

Job summary

Southdown is seeking a compassionate Support Worker for Mill Lane in Portslade, Brighton and Hove. This permanent part-time role covers waking nights (11pm–7am) with 18 hours per week and an hourly rate of £13.45–£13.49. You will support adults with learning disabilities to live independently and engage in community activities.

Full training is provided; prior experience is welcome but not required. This rewarding role offers stable shifts and the chance to make a real difference in Sussex.

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

• Support individuals to connect with the community through activities like walks, cinema, shopping and café visits.
• Assist with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning and personal care.
• Build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care.
• Follow care plans and medication administration where required.

Skills

Patient & empathetic

Health & social care training

Personal care support

Mobility assistance

Job description

Support Worker - (Waking Nights) - Mill Lane

Application Deadline: 16 September 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Brighton and Hove - Portslade

Reporting To: Service manager

Compensation: £13.45 / hour

Description

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'

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.