At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people overnight, ensuring safety and wellbeing while promoting independence.
- Company: Join YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Permanent role with a supportive team, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that empowers young people to shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and a passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite / this role operates on a seven‑day rolling rota following a four‑on, four‑off shift pattern. Shifts will include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
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.
Guildford Foyer provides 24/7 supported accommodation for up to 34 young people aged 16–25, many with complex needs, including unaccompanied asylum‑seeking young people. We use a trauma‑informed, psychologically informed approach to help residents build life skills, set goals, and move towards independent living.
Our Support Workers, Night Workers and Bank Workers offer guidance around housing, budgeting, living skills, education, employment and community engagement. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures.
You will respond promptly to any reported incidents, accidents, or concerns, carrying out thorough checks and taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site. You will also take a proactive approach to preventing anti‑social behaviour, working closely with support staff to maintain a positive environment. In addition, you will carry out one‑to‑one interventions with young people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or who require medical assistance, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate support.
Main areas of responsibilities are:
- Safety and security - Provide a friendly, professional presence and ensure the building remains safe, secure and welcoming at night. Support resident wellbeing by upholding health and safety procedures, house rules and tenancy requirements. Monitor risks and respond to incidents calmly and appropriately, recording and reporting to the relevant teams.
- Resident engagement - Welcome residents and offer informal, responsive assistance to help them develop confidence, independence and life skills. Encourage residents to share their views and engage with available services and opportunities. Assist with evening groupwork sessions that promote learning, wellbeing and positive development.
- Administration and housekeeping - Complete essential admin tasks including data entry, case notes and record management. Carry out routine health and safety, compliance and room checks. Log maintenance issues to ensure the building remains safe and well maintained.
- General - Work collaboratively on a four‑on, four‑off rota, providing consistent, non‑judgemental support overnight. Maintain a calm, professional approach and handle challenging situations effectively. Take part in ongoing training and reflective practice to support psychologically informed care.
This role involves lone working, so you will need to be confident in decision‑making and in following procedures. However, before joining the rota, you will have the opportunity to get to know the team and services, take part in a full induction, complete the required training, and undertake shadow shifts to ensure you feel confident, supported, and well prepared.
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we are looking for.
About you - this is a dynamic role for someone passionate, empathetic and committed to young people’s development.
Experience and knowledge - Experience in a customer‑facing role, staying calm and solutions‑focused during challenging situations. An understanding of the needs and experiences of young people and adults at risk. Awareness of trauma and the ability to work in a strengths‑based, compassionate way. Confidence in accurate record‑keeping, including incident logs and health and safety checks. Basic safeguarding knowledge and the ability to maintain professional boundaries (training provided).
Skills and abilities - Clear verbal and written communication, with accurate handovers for day‑time colleagues. Strong interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships. Comfortable lone‑working, using initiative, and working as part of a team. Competent IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and basic system navigation (training provided). Ability to de‑escalate situations and manage challenging behaviour calmly. You will bring an awareness of the challenges young people face and the ability to connect with them positively.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 21 June 2026 at midnight. 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.
Locations
Housing Night Worker in Guildford, Surrey employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across Sussex and Surrey. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and support within a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values empathy and connection. As a Housing Night Worker at Guildford Foyer, you will not only ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents but also play a vital role in their development, all while enjoying a flexible four-on, four-off shift pattern that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Night Worker in Guildford, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research YMCA DownsLink Group and understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference for young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to handling challenging situations. We want to hear how you stay calm and solutions-focused, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight these skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting young people during the interview. Share stories that demonstrate your empathy and understanding of their needs. This will help us see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you truly care about making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows us that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to the wellbeing of the residents at Guildford Foyer.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Night Worker in Guildford, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in customer-facing roles or working with vulnerable groups. We’re looking for skills that show you can stay calm and solutions-focused in challenging situations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate good communication skills, so show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at YMCA DownsLink Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Night Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job, such as safety protocols, resident engagement, and the importance of a trauma-informed approach. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
This role is all about supporting young people, so be prepared to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your empathy and understanding. Think of situations where you've helped someone in need or managed a challenging situation with compassion. This will show that you align with the organisation's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. These might involve handling incidents or supporting residents in crisis. Practice your responses by thinking through how you would approach these situations calmly and effectively, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a safe environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the organisation measures success in supporting young people. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
