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 hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving young people's lives through safe accommodation.
- 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 can be discussed at interview.
As a Maintenance Operative, your primary work base will be Hastings with regular travel and work required across East Sussex to any of our YMCA DLG sites, with demand varying throughout the year. A full UK driving licence is therefore essential, and 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.
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.
We have sites across East Sussex, centered around our Foyers in Eastbourne and Hastings. These services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. There are homes throughout East Sussex for young people we continue to support into independence via our Transitional Housing teams, these are typically larger shared houses of 4-8 residents sharing some communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. In total there are approximately 180 residents in East Sussex that the maintenance team oversee.
In delivering the role, 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 East 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 Knowledge
We 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.
Qualifications and Training (Desirable)
It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you have:
- City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in one or more maintenance skill areas.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 6 September 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.
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 Operative in Hastings employer: YMCA
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Brighton and Hove. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our culture prioritises collaboration and respect, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about supporting vulnerable communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative in Hastings
✨Join Local Trade Associations
Get involved with local trade associations or unions relevant to your field – they often have job boards and networking opportunities. This is a great way for us to get our foot in the door and meet folks who already work in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your best work, whether that's before-and-after photos of projects or testimonials from past clients. Let’s make your skills visible online and offline, helping potential employers see what you can do!
✨Network at Local Events
Attend local job fairs or trade shows – these are gold mines for making connections in the skilled trades. Speak to the booths and don’t be shy about handing out your CV. We never know who might be looking for part-time help!
✨Utilise Social Media Communities
Join groups on social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn that are focused on skilled trades. Engaging with these communities can lead to job opportunities, and sometimes even gigs that aren’t publicly advertised. Let's put ourselves out there and connect!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:In the skilled trades, your on-the-job experience speaks volumes. Make sure to highlight any apprenticeships, relevant projects, or even DIY jobs you've tackled. Specifics about tools you've used or methods you've mastered can really set you apart.
Include Certifications:If you’ve got any trade-specific certifications or licenses, feature them prominently in your CV. These are often essential in our field and show you're serious about your craft. Don't forget to mention any ongoing training too – it shows your commitment to learning!
Express Your Flexibility:Since this is a part-time role, it's crucial to emphasise your availability in your cover letter. Let YMCA know when you can work and that you’re open to different shifts. Being flexible can be a major selling point for part-time positions!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure you customise your CV and cover letter for Maintenance Operative at YMCA. Mention specific skills that align with the job description – whether it's carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, showing you’ve done your homework makes a great impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Skills
In the skilled trades, it’s all about showing what you can do! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work – think photos of projects, testimonials from past employers, or even a list of tools you’re comfortable using. This will give a tangible proof of your expertise and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running with YMCA.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some hands-on questions during your interview. The interviewer might ask you how you’d tackle specific job scenarios. Brush up on techniques and tools relevant to your trade, and think through solutions for common challenges you’ve faced in the past. We want you to demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your problem-solving skills!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since it's a part-time position, it's crucial to emphasise your adaptability. Be ready to discuss how your schedule can fit in with the needs of YMCA. If you’re available for emergencies or extra hours, let them know – this flexibility can set you apart from other candidates who may only want to stick to a strict schedule.
✨Communicate Your Learning Attitude
As a part-time worker, demonstrating your willingness to learn and adapt is key. Share examples of how you've picked up new skills in previous roles or training sessions. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job to fill some time, but that you’re genuinely interested in growing within the skilled trades sector with YMCA.
