At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide maintenance and caretaking services to create safe homes for young people.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity supporting children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving the lives of young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance and a positive attitude towards helping others.
The predicted salary is between 28330 - 28330 £ per year.
20 hours per week / £28,330 per annum pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview.)
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.
Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.
Do you take pride in creating safe, welcoming homes that make a real difference in young people’s lives?
Our Maintenance team works across multiple properties to ensure our residents have safe, good quality homes. We work closely with service staff to identify and complete repairs, carry out ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and prepare empty homes for new residents.
As a Maintenance Worker covering sites across East Sussex, you will take on a hands-on role combining practical maintenance tasks with caretaking responsibilities. You will help create and maintain safe, welcoming, and psychologically informed accommodation for the people we support.
Key Responsibilities- Provide a comprehensive maintenance, caretaking, and cleaning service to ensure safe, welcoming, and psychologically informed accommodation.
- Carry out day-to-day maintenance across our West Sussex sites, with occasional support to other housing schemes.
- Complete maintenance, cleaning, repair, and redecoration works within agreed timescales, delegating tasks where appropriate.
- Perform or delegate general caretaking and cleaning duties, including cleaning communal areas, litter picking, and waste removal.
If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We know that skills and potential come in many forms, and your background may offer valuable transferable strengths.
We’re looking for someone with a positive, flexible attitude and a genuine desire to contribute to young people’s wellbeing.
Experience and KnowledgeWe are searching for someone with:
- Strong maintenance experience across a range of trade or repair tasks, including delivering high-quality maintenance and decorating work.
- Experience working in supported housing, residential, or community-based settings.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and resident wellbeing.
- Good understanding of health & safety requirements and compliance processes.
- A proactive, organised approach to workload and prioritisation.
It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you have:
- City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in one or more maintenance skill areas.
- Manual handling training.
- Training in handling bodily fluids.
- Boundaries training.
- First Aid training.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact us. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 19 July 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 that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; 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 checks.
Maintenance Worker in Saint Leonards-on-Sea employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA Downslink Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities it serves. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Working across beautiful East Sussex, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in supported housing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Worker in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Worker in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
