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 [email protected] or contact our Recruitment Team on 07484 482896 for an informal discussion.
Important Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.
We are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 27th July 2026
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are appointed.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.85-£14.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Eastbourne, East Sussex: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience supporting or managing service users with dysregulated behaviours?
Licence/Certification:
- UK Full Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
