At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an amazing 18-year-old with fun activities and ensure her safety.
- Company: Join a warm family environment that values care and consistency.
- Benefits: Earn £23.00 per hour, with flexible hours during term and holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Nina's life while enjoying rewarding experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and epilepsy preferred; must be patient and compassionate.
- Other info: Long-term role until August 2026, with potential for ongoing holiday support.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
A lovely part-time opportunity for a professional Support Worker to support a charming, girly 18-year-old with a visual impairment, learning difficulties and epilepsy. This is a long-term role until August 2026, paying £23.00 gross per hour.
- Nearest Station: Chichester
- Salary/Wage: £23.00 Gross Per Hour
- Driving Requirements: Yes, your own car is needed to travel to the client’s home and to use when on duty. (Mileage paid)
- Essential: Experience working with young people with learning difficulties. Epilepsy experience is preferred and a calm, confident approach to following seizure protocols essential. Respectful and culturally aware, comfortable working with families from different backgrounds. Non-smoker/vaper.
- This role is open to female applicants only.
- Start Date: ASAP – contract offered until end of August 2026, with ongoing school holiday hours available thereafter
- Days & Hours: Term Time: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 2:30pm–5:30pm School Holidays: 9:30am–3:00pm (Some flexibility around days/hours for the right candidate)
About the Client/Child: Nina (18) is a very girly young woman who may be a little shy at first, but once a rapport is built, she really enjoys spending 1:1 time with her Support Worker/Buddy. She loves baking, shopping, making cups of tea, imaginative play (such as shops), and word games and puzzles. Nina has a visual impairment (functional vision) and experiences seizures, which are well managed with medication and a Ketogenic diet. She is quite independent but requires close supervision due to her risk of seizures and falls. In terms of personal care, the family use a self-washing/bidet-style toilet to support Nina’s dignity.
The Role at a Glance: The role begins with collecting Nina from sixth form at 3:00pm, just a 10-minute drive from the family home. After school, this is a relaxed and enjoyable time focused on Nina’s favourite activities, such as imaginative role play (doctors, shops) and puzzles. A positive, enthusiastic approach helps Nina feel engaged and confident. Nina’s mum prepares her meals, so your role will be to warm and serve food. During school holidays, there is more time for activities at home and occasional shopping trips. Due to Nina’s risk of falls during seizures, support is required on stairs and when out walking, following clear guidance to ensure her safety. From September 2026, Nina will attend college in Surrey during the week but return home for weekends and school holidays. Holiday-only support may continue beyond August 2026 if this suits the placed candidate.
This Job Would Suit: An engaging, patient, and compassionate professional (female) who enjoys building trusting relationships and supporting young people to feel confident and included. You’ll have SEN experience, feel comfortable supporting epilepsy following clear guidelines, and enjoy working closely with a family who value warmth, respect, and consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Role: This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with Nina and support her to enjoy her favourite activities in a calm, nurturing environment. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive family who truly value the care and consistency you bring, and you’ll have the chance to make a real, lasting difference.
Recruitment Process: This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria are met before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies. If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
SEN Support Worker / Buddy | PO19 Chichester employer: SNAP Care
Contact Detail:
SNAP Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Support Worker / Buddy | PO19 Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the person you'll be supporting! Research Nina's needs and interests so you can show genuine enthusiasm during your interview. This will help us see how well you can connect with her.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to SEN experience and handling seizures. We want to hear about your calm approach and how you’ve supported young people in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress appropriately for the interview – think smart but comfortable. You want to make a good impression while also being relatable. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build a warm relationship with Nina.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your interest and professionalism. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Worker / Buddy | PO19 Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with young people, especially those with learning difficulties. We want to see how your skills match what Nina needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant roles or training!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re passionate about supporting young people like Nina and how you can bring joy to her daily activities. A personal touch goes a long way in making us feel connected to your application.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: We’re looking for someone patient, engaging, and compassionate. Use your application to demonstrate these qualities through examples from your past experiences. Let us know how you’ve built trusting relationships in similar roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure everything is processed smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SNAP Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your experience with young people who have learning difficulties and epilepsy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations, as this will show your understanding and capability.
✨Build a Connection
Since the role involves working closely with Nina, think about how you can establish rapport quickly. Prepare to discuss your approach to building trust and engaging with young people, especially those who may be shy at first. A warm, friendly attitude goes a long way!
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with seizure protocols and how to ensure safety during activities. Be prepared to explain how you would handle potential seizure situations calmly and effectively, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you prioritise safety will impress the interviewer.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Nina loves imaginative play and puzzles, so express your excitement about these activities during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have for engaging her in fun and educational ways. Your enthusiasm will demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.