SEN Support Worker / Buddy, Fishbourne, P019. A great 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 temporary contract until August 2026, paying £20.00 gross per hour.
- Nearest Station: Fishbourne
- Salary/Wage: £20.00 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: Experienced working with young people with learning difficulties, Epilepsy/seizure management experience (training alone is not sufficient). 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 school holiday hours offered thereafter
- Days & Hours: Term Time: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Term Time, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, school holidays 9.30am to 3.00pm (There can be some flexibility around days/hours)
- Recruiter Contact: Rachael rachael@snapcare.co.uk
About the Client/Child Nina (18) is a very girly girl who can 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, playing imaginative games such as shops, and engaging in word games and puzzles. Nina has a visual impairment (functional vision) and experiences underlying seizures, which are managed with medication and a Ketogenic diet. She is quite independent but requires close monitoring at all times due to her risk of seizures and falls. In terms of personal care, the family have a self-washing/bidet style toilet to help maintain her dignity. Nina’s current buddy will soon begin maternity leave, and the family are looking for someone to step in and ensure a smooth transition, continuing the high level of support and engagement she is used to.
The Role at a Glance This role starts with collecting Nina from sixth form at 3:00 pm, just a short 10-minute drive from the family home. After school, this is a lovely opportunity for some down time and engaging in Nina’s favourite activities, such as role play (doctors, shops) and floor puzzles. Showing motivation and enthusiasm will encourage Nina to get involved and enjoy these activities. Nina’s mum will have prepared her food, so your responsibility will be to warm it up and serve. During school holidays, there will be more opportunities for fun at home and occasional trips shopping. Due to Nina’s risk of falls from seizures, always support her on stairs — stay behind when going up and in front when coming down, and brace her by the elbow when walking to ensure her safety. From September 2026, Nina will attend a college in Surrey during weekdays but will return to Chichester for weekends and school holidays, so support just during school holidays could continue after August 2026 if this suited the placed candidate.
This Job Would Suit: An engaging, trustworthy, and compassionate professional (*female) who is dedicated to empowering Nina, focusing on her strengths and what she can achieve rather than her limitations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience supporting individuals with epilepsy, able to stay calm and composed in a crisis, and possess solid SEN experience, including supporting someone with learning difficulties. A respectful approach to the family’s Indian cultural background is important, with a natural interest in celebrating festivals and traditions. Above all, this person will be confident, attentive, and skilled at building rapport, ensuring Nina feels supported, included, and encouraged to thrive.
Why You’ll Love This Role This is a truly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in Nina’s life, supporting her to develop, engage, and enjoy her favourite activities in a safe and nurturing environment. You’ll build a strong, meaningful relationship with her, celebrating her achievements and helping her feel empowered every day. You’ll also become part of a warm, supportive family who value consistency and appreciate a confident, compassionate professional who can manage epilepsy safely while encouraging independence and confidence in Nina.
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.