Overview
SEN Support Worker / Buddy, Chichester, PO19, West Sussex. Part-time opportunity for a professional Support Worker to support a charming, girly 18-year-old with a visual impairment, learning difficulties and epilepsy. Long-term role until August 2026, paying £23.00 gross per hour.
Nearest Station: Chichester. Driving requirements: Yes, your own car is needed to travel to the client’s home and to use when on duty. Mileage paid.
Start Date: ASAP – contract offered until end of August 2026, with ongoing school holiday hours available thereafter. Days & Hours: Term Time – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 2:30pm–5:30pm; School Holidays – 9:30am–3:00pm. Some flexibility around days/hours for the right candidate.
Recruiter Contact: Rachael rachael@snapcare.co.uk
About the Client/Child
Nina (18) is a very girly young woman who may be a little shy at first, but once a rapport is built, she enjoys 1:1 time with a Support Worker/Buddy. She loves baking, shopping, making cups of tea, imaginative play (such as shops), and word games and puzzles. Nina has a visual impairment (functional vision) and experiences seizures, well managed with medication and a Ketogenic diet. She is quite independent but requires close supervision due to seizure and fall risk. Personal care uses a self-washing/bidet-style toilet to support Nina’s dignity.
The Role at a Glance
The role begins with collecting Nina from sixth form at 3:00pm, a short drive from the family home. After school, this is a relaxed, enjoyable time focused on Nina’s favourite activities (imaginative role play and puzzles). You will warmly engage Nina and support her to feel confident. The family provides meals; your role is to warm and serve food. During school holidays there is more time for activities at home and occasional shopping trips. Due to seizure risk, support is required on stairs and when out walking, following clear guidance to ensure safety. From September 2026, Nina attends college in Surrey during the week but returns home for weekends and school holidays. Holiday-only support may continue beyond August 2026 if suitable for the placed candidate.
This Job Would Suit
An engaging, patient, and compassionate professional (female) who enjoys building trusting relationships and supporting young people to feel confident and included. You’ll have SEN experience, be comfortable supporting epilepsy following clear guidelines, and enjoy working closely with a family who value warmth, respect, and consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Role
This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with Nina and support her to enjoy her favourite activities in a calm, nurturing environment. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive family who value care and consistency, and you’ll have the chance to make a real, lasting difference.
Responsibilities & Duties
* Collect Nina from sixth form at 3:00pm and support her with after-school activities.
* Engage in Nina’s favourite activities (imaginative play, word games, puzzles) and support her confidence.
* Warm and serve meals prepared by the family.
* Provide supervision and support on stairs and when out walking, following seizure protocols and safety guidance.
* Assist with light activities and occasional shopping trips during school holidays.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Experience working with young people with learning difficulties.
* Epilepsy experience is preferred; calm, confident approach to following seizure protocols essential.
* Respectful and culturally aware; comfortable working with families from different backgrounds.
* Non-smoker/vaper.
* This role is open to female applicants only (genuine occupational requirement).
Recruitment Process
This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
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