At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in housing, budgeting, and life skills while making a positive impact.
- Company: Join YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, rewarding work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great stepping stone into a fulfilling career with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers young people to shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people is a plus, but transferable skills are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 16 £ per hour.
Are you looking for a rewarding job with flexibility to work around your commitments, whilst making positive changes in young people’s lives? You will be offered available shifts (day, evening, night, weekends and bank holidays) in advance and at short notice – you choose which ones you want to work.
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.
We are looking for Bank Supported Housing Support Workers to join our Hastings Foyer team. YMCA Hastings provides medium-low supported accommodation for a total of 47 young people at risk of homelessness, aged 16 to 25, and care experienced young people under the age of 18. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Support Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building.
Situated just off the seafront, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community. Our Bank Support Worker roles are similar to our Support Workers roles, but they work on a more flexible, temporary basis – they are great ways into the organisation and can be a stepping stone into other roles.
In this rewarding role you will work proactively and creatively alongside young people providing support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building. You will contribute to the smooth and safe running of the services by providing consistency and reliability.
You will ideally have experience of working with a similar client group and a good understanding of the key risks, challenges and opportunities for young people. 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 transferable. You may be just the right candidate.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Charlotte.Rodrigues@ymcadlg.org. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment@ymcadlg.org.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 16 August 2026 at midnight. We are not able to support a work permit or offer a visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates 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 are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider.
Bank Supported Housing Support Worker in St Leonards 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 Bank Supported Housing Support Worker in St Leonards
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Supported Housing Support Worker in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Bank Supported Housing Support Worker role at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
