Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Support Worker

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you passionate about working in mental health & makinga difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust at the Hellingly Centre. We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Support Worker to join our dedicated team, Oak ward.

We are a 15-bedded male admissions medium secure unit providing specialist assessment & treatment for individuals with complex mental health needs. We offer a patient-centred approach with a wide range of therapeutic and recreational activities to support patient's recovery. As a Senior Support Worker, you will be integral to ensuring that the needs of the patients are met through meaningful engagement that fosters social inclusion and personal development.

We are looking for proactive & compassionate individuals with experience in mental health, activitycoordinationor a related field. while experience in forensic services is preferred, it is not essential. Key qualities include a commitment to patient care and the ability to inspire recovery using a patient-centred approach. The role involves ensuring safety & security in Medium Secure Unit while supporting patients' recovery. The ideal candidate must be flexible, adaptable and have resilience to work in a fast-paced setting.

We offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for training and development, and an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients.

Main duties of the job

- Monitor and report on patients' mental and physical well-being, including changes in mood or behaviour.
- Manage risks and ensure safety, responding to incidents such as aggression or self-harm.
- Plan andfacilitatetherapeutic and recreational activities tailored to patient needs.
- Encourage social inclusion, independence, and recovery through structured engagement.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to align activities with individual care plans.
- Build therapeutic relationships to promote engagement and participation, thisincludetherapy-led sessions (e.g. supervising OT activities, group sessions).
- Support patients with daily living skills and community-based activities.
- Assistin handover meetings, sharing relevant observations and concerns.
- Ensure adherence to security protocols, including monitoring patient movement and managing behaviour.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and structured environment.
- Conduct risk assessments and contribute to risk management plans to support incident response.
Working Pattern:
- Please note you willbe required to work flexible shifts, including Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30), covering weekends and bank holidays.

About us

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded Medium Secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that incl. 2 other MSU Male, a Female MSU Ward, & an LSU Male Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

By joining us, you'll benefit from

A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.

Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.

Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement, rehabilitation, & personal development, allowing you to see the real impact of your work.

Work-Life Balance - We offer rotational shifts, including weekends & bank holidays, ensuring flexibility & a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.

A Commitment to Excellence - Our ongoing vision is to provide safe, effective, & high-quality care, always putting the needs of our service users first while maintaining safe working practices & clinical leadership to enhance patient experience.

Be Part of a Team That Makes a Difference

If you're looking for a meaningful career in an organisation that supports, develops, & values its staff, apply today & be part of a team that makes a difference.

Date posted

20 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

354-FH-20585

Job locations

Hellingly Centre, Oak Ward, The Drive

Hellingly Centre

BN27 4ER

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please apply using the link in this advert, or for more information explore the attachments

We encourage future applicants to arrange informal visits. Come and see our excellent service!

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please apply using the link in this advert, or for more information explore the attachments

We encourage future applicants to arrange informal visits. Come and see our excellent service!

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A recognised qualification in an area related to the workplace or equivalent technical/life skills
Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning
Health care or relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent skills

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity
Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
Experience running groups/activities
Experience working as part of a team
Experience of being supervised

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A recognised qualification in an area related to the workplace or equivalent technical/life skills
Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning
Health care or relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent skills

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity
Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
Experience running groups/activities
Experience working as part of a team
Experience of being supervised

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information