At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people overnight, ensuring safety and wellbeing while promoting independence.
- Company: Leading charity dedicated to helping children and young people in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Permanent role with a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and understanding of young people's needs.
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.
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.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact. If you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at.
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.
Housing Night Worker in Westcott employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey, we offer a fulfilling work environment where your contributions truly matter. Our team at Guildford Foyer is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for young individuals facing challenges, providing you with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values personal growth and development. With ongoing training, a collaborative atmosphere, and a focus on trauma-informed care, you'll find a rewarding career path that aligns with your passion for helping others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Night Worker in Westcott
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the charity's values and mission. This will help you connect your own experiences with what they stand for, showing that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about the key skills they're looking for, like handling challenging situations or supporting young people. Prepare some examples from your past experiences that highlight these skills, so you can share them confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The interviewers want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your personality. Share your passion for working with young people and how you can contribute to their development – it’s all about building those connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Night Worker in Westcott
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your experiences align with our values. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences that match the Housing Night Worker role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:We’re keen to know about your skills, especially in communication and problem-solving. Give examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website:To maximise your chances of being considered, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
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 areas like safety and security, resident engagement, and administration tasks. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
This role is all about supporting young people, so be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy in previous roles. Think about times when you've helped someone in a challenging situation or worked with vulnerable individuals. Highlighting your compassionate approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. These might involve handling difficult situations or responding to incidents. Practice your responses by thinking through how you would manage various challenges, such as de-escalating a conflict or providing support to someone in crisis.
✨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 gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
