At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people overnight, ensuring safety and wellbeing while promoting independence.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for youth support in Sussex and Surrey.
- 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: Join us to empower young people and help them build essential life skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and understanding of youth challenges preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ 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.
Horsham Y Centre provides 24-hour supported housing services offering medium levels of housing-related support for young people aged 16-25 with 50 bedspaces and shared communal facilities. 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 have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs, relationship building and wellbeing. Situated in the middle of Horsham, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community.
We are looking for a Housing Night Worker to join our team at Horsham Y Centre. 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.
- Aware 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 15 November 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.
Housing Night Worker in Horsham employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and community impact, staff members enjoy opportunities for growth while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across Sussex. The organisation's commitment to safety and compliance ensures that you will be part of a team that prioritises quality housing and resident well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Night Worker in Horsham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Housing Night Worker in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
