Job Description
Description
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Windebanks, Chichester
Salary: £14.52 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per weekShifts are on a 4 week rolling rota basis including evenings and weekendsOne sleep-in shift per week, 11pm - 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 senior support worker, you’ll help clients to live well by supporting them with everyday tasks such as personal care, cooking, and trips out, as well as support and oversee the day-to-day operations of the care team in the absence of the manager.
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.
‘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:Windebanks is a vibrant supported living service for five adults with learning disabilities and behaviour that can challenge. It’s a detached property in a pleasant area of Donnington, with five self-contained flats and a staff office spread over two floors. Chichester town centre is within reasonable distance. You’ll help clients access the community, and carry out cooking, cleaning and tasks around their home. You’ll provide personal care, and promote the client’s emotional well-being with a positive and encouraging approach. Clients communicate with facial expressions, gestures, vocal sounds and some verbal communication. You’ll be joining a team of support workers, a senior support worker, a deputy manager and a Service Manager.
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)
* Unsociable hours uplift: extra £4.20 per shift for waking nights.
* Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (11pm-7am).
What you need for the role:
* A patient, empathetic mindset.
* Experienced in providing comprehensive client support, including medication management.
* Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and safeguarding
* Physically fit and able to push a wheelchair, take long walks and help service users with tasks like bathing.
* An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.
* A Full Manual Driving License is essential as you'll be driving our Service Vehicles to help keep our residents connected to their community.
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).
* Experience managing staff, including supervision, coaching, recruitment and rostering.
* Level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care.
Training
Our award winning in house training team will help you to 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 21st May 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.