Support Worker
Location: Southdown Court, Brighton
Salary: £13.82 per hour
Hours: 37 hours
Dependent on working times agreed to be worked you may be entitled to one or more of the following allowances:
- Unsociable hours uplift: an extra £4.51 per shift for waking nights
- Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (10 pm-7 am)
- 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 £4.51 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 £4.51 allowance.
Who are we:
What you’ll be doing:
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.
‘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:
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)
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.
- Physical ability to assist with mobility, such as pushing wheelchairs, taking long walks, and supporting with bathing.
- 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.
- A full manual driving licence may be required to operate service vehicles and help clients stay connected with their community.
- An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication.
Training: