Description
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Hours: 16 per week
Allowances (dependent on working times):
Unsociable hours uplift: £4.51 extra per waking night shift
Sleep-in shifts: £61 per shift (10 pm – 7 am)
Sleep-in disturbance: If disturbed for 1–4 hours, you get the unsociable hours uplift plus normal hourly pay for time worked. If disturbed for 4+ hours, you’re paid normal hourly rate for the entire shift plus the £4.51 allowance.
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:
The service provides support for 5 people with learning disabilities. Roman Court is a purpose-built block of flats which opened in 2004. The supported living scheme comprises of the 6 self-contained flats on the top floor of the building. One of the flats functions as the office, staff sleep-in room and communal space. The property is in the centre of Burgess Hill with the railway station, bus stops and main shopping area within close walking distance.
Our clients are supported to lead active, fulfilling lives and are supported to make the most of their local community while developing each client’s choice, control and independence.
You will be based at Burgess Hill 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 experienceWhat 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
A full manual driving licence is desirable to operate service vehicles and support community access
Additional Requirements (sometimes needed)
Physical ability to assist with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs, supporting bathing) and participate in activities like long walks
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.
How to apply:Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the advertisement is closed if a suitable candidate is identified.
Application closing date is 22 April 2026. Interviews will be held on 27 April 2026.
We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Contact information:
Our online careers page has a list of helpful FAQs that you can view here. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with recruitment via email at jobs@southdown.org
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are fully committed to supporting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and welcome applications from all candidates that meet our job specifications. If you feel there is a barrier that potentially prevents you from applying, do get in contact with us, as we are always happy to discuss (or arrange a discussion with the recruiting manager) to explore if any reasonable adjustments can be made to support your application.
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