At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a supportive team and provide 1:1 care for a young woman with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join SDR, a caring organisation dedicated to empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full training provided; inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 15.25 - 15.25 £ per hour.
Location: Hassocks, West Sussex
Pay: £15.25 per hour
Hours: 40.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 5th October 2026
Make a Real Difference Every Day
We are opening a brand-new 1:1 support service in Hassocks and are looking for an experienced, caring and confident Female Team Leader to join us. You’ll play an important role in supporting a young woman in her early twenties with a mild learning disability and epilepsy, helping her to settle into her new home, develop her independence and enjoy the activities and opportunities that matter to her.
As Team Leader, you’ll provide hands‑on 1:1 support while also helping to lead and support the wider team, ensuring the service provides safe, consistent, person‑centred care.
About the Role
- Provide high-quality, person-centred 1:1 support at home and in the community.
- Support college attendance, social activities, leisure activities and community engagement.
- Promote independence, choice, dignity and confidence in everyday life.
- Support with personal care where required.
- Provide attentive support in relation to epilepsy and seizure management.
- Recognise changes in presentation and respond appropriately to emergencies.
- Support with medication where trained and authorised.
- Lead by example and provide guidance and support to other team members.
- Help ensure support plans, risk assessments and records are followed and kept up to date.
- Complete accurate daily records and report any concerns promptly.
- Support effective communication between the team, family and wider professionals.
- Help ensure the service operates safely, consistently and in line with company policies and procedures.
- Support new and existing staff with their development and day‑to‑day practice.
About You
We're looking for someone who is caring, patient, reliable and confident, with the ability to work independently, take responsibility and use their own initiative, while also being able to lead by example and work effectively as part of a team. You’ll be comfortable working in a 1:1 environment, able to use your initiative and confident supporting someone with epilepsy. You’ll also need to be a good communicator who can build positive relationships with the person we support, their family and colleagues.
Most importantly, you’ll understand that being a Team Leader isn't just about managing a shift — it's about ensuring the person we support has the right support to live a happy, fulfilling and as independent a life as possible.
Requirements
- Previous experience working in a care or support environment.
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities.
- Experience supporting someone with epilepsy or a willingness to undertake specialist training.
- Experience working in a senior or leadership role within health and social care.
- Good understanding of person-centred support and promoting independence.
- Ability to lead, motivate and support a team.
- Excellent communication and record‑keeping skills.
- Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in an emergency.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and make sound decisions.
- Reliable, professional and committed to providing consistent, high-quality support.
- Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
- Previous Team Leader or Senior Support Worker experience.
- Experience with epilepsy and seizure management.
- Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Experience supporting medication and care planning.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and person-centred planning.
Full Training & Development
You don't need to have experience of every aspect of the role. What matters is that you have the right attitude, values and leadership approach. Full induction and specialist training will be provided, including training relevant to the individual's specific needs. We’ll support you to continue developing your skills and confidence throughout your career with SDR.
Why Choose SDR?
When you join SDR, you’ll become part of a supportive team that genuinely cares about the people we support — and about each other. We offer:
- Annual leave, including Bank Holidays – pro rata and subject to contracted hours.
- Fully paid induction and comprehensive training.
- Specialist training and ongoing professional development.
- Supportive managers who invest in your development.
- Company pension – 3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution, subject to eligibility.
- Group Life Assurance – 2x annual salary, subject to eligibility.
- Employee Referral Bonus Scheme – £200 on appointment and a further £300 after one year (T&Cs apply).
- Opportunities to develop your leadership and care skills.
- A supportive environment where creativity and new ideas are encouraged.
This role is open to female applicants only, as this is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS check required. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK.
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed. SDR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Team Leader (Female)| 1:1 Supported Living | Hassocks, West Sussex employer: Mary Rush Care Ltd
At Deckers Group, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values our employees as the cornerstone of our success. Working as a Part-Time Night Porter at The Royal Toby Hotel offers you the chance to be part of a supportive and dynamic team, with competitive pay and opportunities for training and development. Join us in creating exceptional guest experiences in a well-established hospitality environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader (Female)| 1:1 Supported Living | Hassocks, West Sussex
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Mary Rush Care Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Mary Rush Care Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Mary Rush Care Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Mary Rush Care Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader (Female)| 1:1 Supported Living | Hassocks, West Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Mary Rush Care Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mary Rush Care Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mary Rush Care Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
