At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism and complex needs to develop independence and enjoy meaningful experiences.
- Company: Join SDR, a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression, paid training, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Shape a brand-new service and build lasting relationships in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a new service where your support truly impacts someone's life every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism or complex needs; calm, resilient, and team-oriented.
The predicted salary is between 14.75 - 14.75 £ per hour.
Senior Support Worker & Support Worker – Autism & Complex Needs
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex Salary: Senior Support Worker: £14.75 per hour | Support Worker: £13.85 per hour Hours: 36.25 hours per week (Days) Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Experienced Senior Support Workers encouraged to apply. Support Worker opportunities are also available.
Are you an experienced Senior Support Worker looking for your next challenge?
Or an experienced Support Worker ready to develop your career within a specialist complex needs service?
SDR is launching a brand-new supported living service in Eastbourne, supporting a young person with autism, ADHD, a learning disability and complex emotional needs.
We're primarily looking for experienced Senior Support Workers who can lead by example, mentor colleagues and help establish a high-quality, person-centred service from the ground up.
We also have opportunities for experienced Support Workers who are passionate about delivering exceptional care and would like to progress their careers.
This isn't a typical support role.
It's an opportunity to become part of a small, highly skilled team where consistency, positive relationships and specialist support make a genuine difference every day.
About the Role
You'll support a young individual to develop independence, establish routines and enjoy meaningful experiences within the community.
Activities may include
- Sensory-friendly outings.
- Beach and woodland walks.
- Cinema visits and community activities.
- Theme parks and structured day trips.
- Creative activities and engagement-based support.
- Developing life skills and daily routines.
- Supporting safe community access and travel.
Every day is centred around the individual's goals, interests and wellbeing.
- Senior Support Worker Responsibilities (£14.75 per hour)
- As a Senior Support Worker, you'll play a key leadership role within the service by:
- Leading and supporting a dedicated team within a 3:1 support model.
- Mentoring, coaching and developing Support Workers.
- Promoting Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches.
- Supporting consistency in routines, care planning and daily practice.
- Responding confidently to complex or escalating situations.
- Leading by example to deliver exceptional person-centred support.
- Working alongside management to help shape and develop the new service.
- Support Worker Responsibilities (£13.85 per hour)
As a Support Worker, you'll
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred support.
- Promote independence, wellbeing and life skills.
- Support community access and meaningful activities.
- Follow care plans and Positive Behaviour Support strategies.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to a consistent team approach.
- Build positive relationships that help the individual thrive.
About You
We're looking for people who
- Have experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities or complex needs.
- Are confident supporting behaviours of concern using positive and proactive approaches.
- Have knowledge or experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) (particularly desirable for Senior Support Workers).
- Are calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
- Build trusting relationships and work well within a team.
- Are committed to delivering outstanding person-centred support.
- Hold a full UK driving licence (essential for day shifts due to community access).
What We Offer
- Senior Support Worker: £14.75 per hour.
- Support Worker: £13.85 per hour.
- Permanent full-time contracts (36.25 hours per week).
- 210 hours annual leave (pro rata, including Bank Holidays).
- Structured induction and fully paid training.
- Career progression opportunities, including leadership development.
- Pension scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Company Sick Pay (following successful probation).
- Employee Referral Bonus Scheme (£200 upon successful referral and £300 after one year's service).
- Supportive management team and regular supervision.
Why Join SDR?
At SDR, we believe the best support comes from skilled, consistent teams who are passionate about making a difference.
Our values guide everything we do: Kindness | Dignity & Respect | Calmness | Creativity | Responsibility
Join a service where you'll help shape a brand-new specialist provision, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact on someone's life every day.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Senior Support Worker looking for your next leadership opportunity, or a Support Worker ready to develop your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your CV to careers@sdrgroup. co. uk or contact our Recruitment Team on 07484 482896 for an informal discussion.
Important Information
We are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are appointed.
Senior Support Worker & Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne employer: SDR
At SDR Living, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values kindness, dignity, and respect. As a Weekend Receptionist at our Clevedon Court location in Hastings, you will benefit from ongoing training and career development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and a friendly team environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness while enjoying the perks of a flexible role with a strong commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker & Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne
✨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 SDR.
✨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 SDR!
✨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 SDR, 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 SDR 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 Senior Support Worker & Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne
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 SDR:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SDR! 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 SDR
✨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.
