At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and connect with their community.
- Company: Join Southdown, a not-for-profit provider dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities.
- Benefits: Earn £14.89 per hour, plus bonuses for unsociable hours and sleep-in shifts.
- Other info: Access to training, health benefits, and discounts on travel and shopping.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic and rewarding work environment.
- Qualifications: Compassionate mindset and previous care experience are essential.
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Wynford House, Seaford
Salary: £14.89 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
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: 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.
What you’ll be doing: Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity? We’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable Senior Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This role is all about helping individuals stay connected to their community and supporting them with daily living tasks in a respectful and empowering way. You will also support and oversee the day-to-day operations of the care team. As a Senior 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.
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.
Service Description: Wynford House is a large residential care home on the outskirts of Seaford for 11 adults with learning disabilities. Our clients are supported to lead active, fulfilling lives and are supported to make the most of their local community while developing each client’s choice, control and independence. You will be based at Wynford House service but may be required to work at other locations as and when needed.
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).
Knowledge, skills and experience 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.
- Previous care experience, either professionally or with family members.
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and safeguarding.
- Happy to support clients with intimate and personal care needs.
- Experienced in providing comprehensive client support, including medical management; understanding of medication types, dosage, administration methods, and record-keeping practices.
- 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).
- Experience managing staff, including supervision, coaching, recruitment and rostering.
- Level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care.
- An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication.
Sometimes Required: Certain aspects of this role may vary depending on the current needs of the service and the individuals supported. As such, the following requirements may be essential at the time of recruitment, based on team capabilities and client needs:
- Physical ability to assist with mobility and personal care tasks, such as pushing wheelchairs, taking long walks, and supporting with bathing.
- A full manual driving licence may be required to operate service vehicles and help clients stay connected with their community.
Training: Our award-winning in-house training team will help you to 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 before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior Support Worker in Seaford employer: Southdown
Southdown is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant community of Worthing, our Service Manager role provides opportunities for meaningful engagement, ongoing training, and access to a range of benefits including health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Seaford
✨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 Southdown.
✨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 Southdown!
✨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 Southdown, 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 Southdown 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 in Seaford
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 Southdown:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southdown! 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 Southdown
✨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.
