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- Tasks: Support young people with housing options and advocate for their needs.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for youth in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Full training provided, inclusive workplace, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and empower young people to shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or advice is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
37 hours per week / fixed term until 31 March 2027 / Working pattern Monday - Wednesday 0930-1730, Thursday 1100-1900, Friday 0900-1630 (to be confirmed).
YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen. We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.
Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.
Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers information, support and guidance to young people (13-25) and their families in Brighton and Hove. The YAC team offer expertise on a wide range of topics including housing, wellbeing and family relationships. We provide a safe and friendly environment where everyone is made to feel welcome.
We are on the lookout for a new specialist housing advisor to join the YAC team. Based in the heart of Brighton, you will support young people to understand their housing options, make referrals on their behalf, and advocate when needed to ensure young people get the support they need. You will be based within the advice centre and form part of the team who deliver drop-in clinics and appointments. As well as providing one to one work, this role will also focus on prevention and early intervention through the delivery of workshops in schools, colleges and other youth settings.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
Experience in a housing or advice setting is desirable; however, this is not essential as we will provide a full induction and training package. The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage with young people, hear their voice and co-produce their support plans looking at their holistic needs, be able to professionally challenge decisions advocate on their behalf, work with professional networks to provide support, identify safeguarding concerns and risk, and hold strong professional boundaries at all times.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 17 May 2026 at midnight, if we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.
An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.
YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.
Advice Worker - Housing employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
Contact Detail:
YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advice Worker - Housing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and advice sectors, especially those connected to YMCA DownsLink Group. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching common questions related to housing advice. Think about how your experiences, even if not directly related, can showcase your skills in engaging with young people and advocating for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the YAC team, express why you care about supporting young people and how you align with their values. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the YMCA DownsLink Group team.
We think you need these skills to ace Advice Worker - Housing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Advice Worker - Housing. We want to see how you can connect with young people and support them in their housing journey.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through! Share why you're excited about working with young people and how you can contribute to their wellbeing. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the job. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and keep it simple!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! The closing date is Sunday 17 May 2026, but we might close the advert early if we find the right candidate. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA DownsLink Group and its mission. Understand their values and how they relate to the role of an Advice Worker in Housing. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to engage with young people, advocate for their needs, and work within professional networks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, make sure to listen carefully to the questions being asked. This not only helps you provide relevant answers but also demonstrates your ability to engage effectively with others, a key skill for the role.