At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our properties clean and welcoming for young residents, making a real difference.
- Company: Join YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity supporting children and young people.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a vehicle provided and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic team with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Create safe homes and help young people thrive in their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in cleaning and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Application Start Date: 17-06-2026
Application End Date: 12-07-2026
Location: Hastings, East Sussex TN37 6DJ, United Kingdom
Work Style: On-site
Description: 37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday 0900-1700. A full, valid UK driving licence is essential; a vehicle will be provided.
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.
Are you an experienced cleaning professional looking to step into a new role? 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 project staff to identify and complete repairs, carry out regular and ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and prepare empty homes for new residents.
Responsibilities:
- Complete day-to-day cleaning in YMCA DownsLink Group properties, ensuring all work meets agreed quality standards, safety requirements and timescales.
- Assist the maintenance team with voids (empty homes) work, from ‘keys in’ to ready-to-let, working to agreed targets and KPIs.
- Work across all allocated sites, planning travel and workload to meet priorities and service needs.
- Liaise promptly with the Supported Housing Managers or Repairs Supervisor when work cannot be completed due to lack of capability, time or access.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents and staff regarding tasks, access requirements and expected timescales.
Experience and Knowledge:
- Experience providing a cleaning service.
- Experience working within a supported housing service or similar community setting (desirable).
- Knowledge of health and safety in the workplace.
- Ability to work to clear targets and KPIs, keep accurate records of work undertaken and complete tasks within agreed timescales and service standards.
- Good customer relationship skills, with the ability to build and maintain respectful relationships quickly and manage challenging behaviour, escalating issues as needed.
- Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision and deal with unexpected problems that arise.
Closing Date: Sunday 12th July 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. 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. 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.
Cleaner, East Sussex in Hastings employer: YMCA
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across East Sussex. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that values every team member's contributions. Employees benefit from a permanent, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth while working in a collaborative environment that prioritises safety and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaner, East Sussex in Hastings
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like YMCA.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like YMCA.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like YMCA, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaner, East Sussex in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show YMCA that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with YMCA specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. YMCA will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at YMCA a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at YMCA.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at YMCA, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
