Activities Coordinator

Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.

Location: Nyetimber, Pagham

Salary: £24,926 per year full time equivalent (pro rata amount) / £12.96 per hour

Hours: 20 to 37 hours per week available. Flexible working pattern to be discussed at interview stage.

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 an activities coordinator you’ll work collaboratively with the team to plan and deliver a varied schedule of activities that cater to the interests and needs of our clients, such as arts and crafts, gardening and music. You’ll ensure that activities run smoothly and that clients are engaged in meaningful and enjoyable experiences.

Experience in a similar role would be helpful but is not essential. 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:

Nyetimber Lodge is a vibrant supported living service in Pagham, near Bognor Regis. It’s a modern purpose-built building, providing support with personal care to 6 adults with learning disabilities who present with complex health and/or complex behaviour needs. Positive behaviour plans are in place and residents are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives in the least restrictive way possible. Residents may be supported with communication tools, and support workers help residents with personal care including nutrition and hydration and to develop independent living skills.

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).

Knowledge, skills and experience:

What you need for the role:

• A patient, empathetic mindset.
• A willingness to complete relevant training in health and social care, moving and handling, Positive Behaviour Support and safeguarding, safety, risk management and health protocols.
• You’re physically fit, able to push a wheelchair and take long walks.
• Happy to support clients with intimate and personal care needs.
• You live within reasonable commuting distance of the service or be willing to relocate.
• 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 Makaton or non-verbal communication.

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 early. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.