At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently and engage in community activities.
- Company: Southdown, a not-for-profit provider dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health cashback scheme, interest-free loans, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 13.49 - 13.49 £ per hour.
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Alinora, Worthing
Application Deadline: 9 June 2026
Department: Learning Disability
Location: West Sussex - Worthing
Compensation: £13.49 / hour
Allowance (dependent on working times):
- Unsociable hours uplift: £4.51 extra per waking night shift
- Sleep‑in shifts: £61 per shift (10pm–7am)
- Sleep‑in disturbance: If disturbed for 1–4 hours, you get the unsociable hours uplift plus normal hourly pay for time worked. If disturbed for 4+ hours, you’re paid normal hourly rate for the entire shift plus the £4.51 allowance.
Who are we
Southdown is a not‑for‑profit provider supporting 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities across Sussex. We run 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes.
What you’ll be doing
We’re seeking a compassionate and adaptable Support Worker to help individuals live independently and with dignity. Your role involves encouraging clients to connect with their community through activities like walks, cinema, shopping, and café visits, alongside supporting daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. You’ll help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care in a rewarding role where no two days are the same. Previous experience in roles such as Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Nurse, or Mental Health Care Worker is welcome but not essential, as full training will be provided.
Service Description: Alinora
Alinora is a supported living service for seven adults with a learning disability. The property is made up of a bungalow with five en‑suite bedrooms and a semi‑detached converted bungalow with three individual newly developed apartments next door. It is based in Goring, one road away from the sea, and close to shops and public transport. 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 Alinora 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 approach
- Completion of Southdown’s training in health & social care, moving and handling, Positive Behaviour Support, safeguarding, and health protocols
- Willingness to support intimate and personal care needs
- Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Southdown)
What would be nice:
- Experience supporting people with physical or cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health issues
- Experience handling challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of medication administration and record‑keeping
- Previous professional or personal care experience
- Familiarity with Makaton or other non‑verbal communication methods
Additional Requirements (sometimes needed):
- Physical ability to assist with mobility (e.g., pushing wheelchairs, supporting bathing) and participate in activities like long walks
- A full manual driving licence may be needed to operate service vehicles and support community access
- Due to the nature of care, the post may sometimes be restricted to applicants of a particular sex in line with the Equality Act 2010, depending on client needs
Training
Full training is provided, so no prior experience is necessary. You’ll gain qualifications and develop your skills with the largest housing, care, and support provider in Sussex.
Support Worker in Worthing employer: Southdownhousing
Southdown is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities in a compassionate and empowering environment. Located in the picturesque Alinora, Worthing, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, offers extensive training opportunities, and provides generous benefits such as health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying 25 days of paid holiday and access to exclusive discounts through the Blue Light card.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Worthing
✨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 Southdownhousing.
✨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 Southdownhousing!
✨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 Southdownhousing, 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 Southdownhousing 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 Support Worker in Worthing
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 Southdownhousing:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southdownhousing! 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 Southdownhousing
✨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.
