At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and support for young residents during night shifts.
- Company: Join YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for youth in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Permanent role with flexible shifts, training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and understanding of youth needs preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role? 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. Gareth Stacey House and Lansworth House are our 24-hour supported housing services in central Brighton and Hove offering high levels of housing-related support for young people aged 16-25 with multiple and complex needs. The services have 15 and 20 bedspaces respectively, with shared communal facilities; the services support young people to manage their daily living activities in areas including finances and budgeting, developing life and work skills, and managing self-care.
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.
We are looking for a Housing Night Worker to join our teams across Lansworth House and Gareth Stacey House, working flexibly between both sites to ensure young people are safe. 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 antisocial 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.
What you will be doing - this is more than a night shift role - it’s an opportunity to make a real difference, working as part of a dedicated team committed to helping young people grow and develop. 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 group work 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 recordkeeping, 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 daytime 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.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact us. If you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 28 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.
Housing Night Worker in Heathfield 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 compassion and connection. Working as a Housing Night Worker in our vibrant Brighton and Hove locations not only provides a rewarding opportunity to support vulnerable youth but also fosters a sense of community and purpose among our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Night Worker in Heathfield
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Night Worker in Heathfield
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 align with our values and the needs of the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see how you fit the role of Housing Night Worker.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and helps us get to know you better!
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 job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
This role is all about supporting young people, so be prepared to discuss your experience in customer-facing roles and how you've handled challenging situations. Share specific examples that highlight your empathy and ability to connect with individuals who may be facing difficulties.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various scenarios, such as dealing with a mental health crisis or managing antisocial behaviour. Think through potential situations and how you would respond calmly and effectively, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and commitment to resident wellbeing.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
