Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives. Location: SeafordSalary:  £12.96 per hourHours:  20 - 37 hours.  Full time and part time roles available

Dependant on working times agreed to be worked you may be entitled to one or more of the following allowances:

• Unsociable hours uplift: an extra £4.40 per shift for waking nights
• Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (10pm-7am)
• Sleep-In Disturbance Allowance Payment:  If your sleep-in shift is disturbed for over one continuous hour but less than four, you’ll receive the £4.40 Unsociable Hours Allowance plus your normal hourly rate for the hours worked.  If disturbed for four hours or more, you’ll be paid your normal hourly rate for the entire shift and still receive the £4.40 allowance.

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:Wynford House is a large residential care home on the outskirts of Seaford for 11 adults with learning disabilities. 

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.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)

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.
• 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. 

Sometimes Required:Certain aspects of this role may vary depending on the current needs of the service and the individuals supported. As such, the following requirements may be essential at the time of recruitment, based on team capabilities and client needs:

• Physical ability to assist with mobility and personal care tasks, such as pushing wheelchairs, taking long walks, and supporting with bathing.
• A full manual driving licence may be required to operate service vehicles and help clients stay connected with their community.
• Due to the personal and sensitive nature of the care provided, this post may be restricted to applicants of a particular sex under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, where an occupational requirement applies. This will be assessed based on current client and service needs.

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.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.