Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide exceptional customer service in our cafe and reception.
- Company: YHA South Downs is a social enterprise focused on enriching lives through memorable hostel experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 10 free hostel nights, discounts, and access to support programs.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making guests' experiences unforgettable in a beautiful location.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and teamwork skills are essential; we value all backgrounds.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, perfect for students looking to gain experience.
Team Member
YHA South Downs
Permanent, flexible contract
12 – 25 hours per week
£12.21 per hour (applies to all, including those under the age of 21)
YHA South Downs is looking for a Team Member to join us in our Cafe and Reception, working between 2 and 4 shifts a week, including some weekend shifts.
You will be working in our cafe, both in the kitchen; preparing food, and front of house. The cafe also doubles as the reception for the hostel, so you will be checking guests in and showing them to their accommodation. You may also be asked to help with housekeeping in the hostel, and will be responsible for keeping the cafe clean and hygienic.
YHA South Downs is located in the South Downs National Park, on the A26 between Lewes and Newhaven. We are located right next to Southease train station! We are looking for team to join us for the busy summer season. Located in a converted farmhouse, YHA South Downs has 68 beds in the hostel as well as LandPods, Pods and Bell Tents. We host many guests from school groups to individuals walking the South Downs Way. We also have a busy cafe that is open to the public.
As a Team Member, you\’ll play a key role in making our guests\’ experiences memorable. Your efforts will be at the core of our mission to provide exceptional hospitality.
Why work for YHA?
Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:
- 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
- Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal
- Free YHA Membership each year
- Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program
There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our YHA Jobs website for more information.
What will you be doing as a Team Member?
Required
We are a friendly team and will provide the training required for you to undertake the role. However, there is plenty for you to get stuck into from day one, including:
- Providing great customer service to all our customers, members and guests.
- Working on reception, offering insights about the hostel and the local area. Ensuring every guest feels informed and welcomed.
- Using our systems for efficient guest check-ins and check-outs, food and beverage sales and service.
- Carrying out housekeeping duties, ensuring a comfortable, clean environment for all visitors.
- Assisting in the preparation of food and serving food and drinks with genuine warmth, hospitality, and pride that will influence in more sales.
What Skills and Experience do you need to be a Team Member?
Our Team Members undertake a wide range of customer facing duties within the hostel, delivering an excellent service to all guests and visitors.
To provide this service to our guests we are looking for the following qualities in our Team Members:
- Experience of working face to face with customers
- Experience of working in a team – can help others to achieve a common goal
- Excellent timekeeping, with flexibility to cover different shifts – punctual, can work to deadlines
- Ability to manage varying pressures, include peaks in workload demands – can prioritise, able to deal with conflicting duties
- Knowledge and understanding of the core purpose of YHA – what YHA does and how we do it
For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.
At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Who are YHA?
YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.
If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.
How do you apply?
Submit your CV and complete the application form (it’s a short one, we promise!). If you need any assistance, please visit the contact page on the YHA Jobs website.
Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date.
PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
YHA Job Title: Team Member
Keywords: Hospitality Assistant, Team Member, Hospitality Team Member #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cafe/Reception Team Member - YHA South Downs employer: YHA (England & Wales)
Contact Detail:
YHA (England & Wales) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe/Reception Team Member - YHA South Downs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with YHA's mission and values. Understanding what YHA stands for and how they operate will help you align your responses during any interviews or conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service experience. Since this role involves face-to-face interaction with guests, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in past jobs, as this position requires working closely with a team to ensure a smooth operation.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. Since the role includes various shifts, showing that you can adapt to different schedules will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe/Reception Team Member - YHA South Downs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Cafe/Reception Team Member position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as customer service experience and teamwork.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in hospitality or customer service. Emphasise any previous roles where you worked face-to-face with customers or in a team environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your understanding of YHA's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent customer service and work under pressure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at YHA (England & Wales)
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Team Member, you'll be interacting with guests regularly. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight any experiences where you went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for customers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
YHA values teamwork highly. During your interview, discuss your previous experiences working in a team environment. Share specific instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as this will show that you can contribute positively to their friendly team.
✨Understand YHA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with YHA's mission and values before the interview. Being able to articulate what YHA does and how it impacts the community will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and alignment with their goals.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various situations, such as busy periods at the café or dealing with difficult guests. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage pressure.
