SEN Support Worker / Buddy, Chichester, PO19, West Sussex. 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)
- Recruiter Contact: Rachael rachael@snapcare.co.uk
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.