Support Worker

Description

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

Location: Southdown Court, Brighton

Salary: £13.34 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per weekShifts are on a 4 week rolling rota basis including working evenings, weekends and bank holidays + one sleep-in per week, 10pm - 7am. 

What you’ll be doing:
 Do you want to make a meaningful difference? 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. 

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 4 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.

22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked)

Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (11pm-7am).

Knowledge, skills and experience
What you need for the role: 

A patient, empathetic mindset.

A willingness to complete relevant training 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.

Experience dealing with challenging situations (including managing clients who may exhibit aggressive behaviour or distress).

An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication. 

Physically fit to support our clients with activities.

You live within reasonable commuting distance of the service location or be willing to relocate.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.

A full manual driving licence is desirable to support the role, as it may involve driving service vehicles to help residents stay connected with their community. However, reasonable adjustments can be considered to support applicants who may not currently hold one.

Due to the length of the training and development involved in this role, we are seeking applicants who have the right to work in the UK for a sufficient period (at least 6 months from the date of appointment) to complete training and contribute meaningfully to the role.  

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
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. 

An understanding of medication types, dosage, administration methods, and record-keeping practices.

Previous care experience, either professionally or with family members.

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. 

How to apply:Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

The application closing date is 4th December 2025
Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible