Youth Support Worker UASC Housing

At YMCA Robin Hood, we provide supported accommodation for unaccompanied asylum‑seeking young people aged between 16–21 who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian. Recognising their vulnerability, we offer dedicated accommodation that fosters a safe environment, enabling these young individuals to learn about their new community and culture while beginning their recovery from past traumas.

Our primary aim is to empower these young people to transition confidently into independent living, supporting their steps toward education or employment.

If you possess the passion, empathy, drive, and determination to assist these remarkable young people in building their independence and overcoming obstacles, we encourage you to read on.

Based at our dedicated accommodation building in Nottingham, this role will involve working closely with young people, cultivating trusted, person‑centred relationships.

• Start your day at the YMCA offices, checking emails and liaising with overnight staff regarding any incidents or events that require your attention.
• Engage with residents individually and in small groups to identify strengths and interests, crafting constructive activities that promote new skills, confidence, and self‑esteem.
• Explore pathways with local providers to create opportunities for volunteering, education, or employment.
• Follow your schedule to ensure regular sessions with each resident on a 1‑2‑1 or small group basis, maintaining consistent support.
• Organise and facilitate sessions that build essential life skills for residents.

• This demanding yet rewarding role requires experience in supporting vulnerable or challenging individuals with diverse needs.
• Your communication skills will be pivotal; you will need to build rapport and trust with residents effectively.
• Previous experience in supported housing or an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals will be advantageous.
• You must be proactive and passionate about supporting people, sharing our belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to discover their potential.
• You will create a positive, nurturing and trusted environment for residents to live and thrive.
• You will provide unconditional positive support while maintaining boundaries with calm and consistent professional practice.
• An appreciation for different cultures, with sensitivity to introduce new traditions while celebrating and embracing the religious and cultural events of their backgrounds, is essential.
• Act as a role model for residents to model their behaviours against.
• You should understand the needs of asylum seekers and be familiar with the services available to them, enabling you to signpost to relevant third parties.
• Confidence in lone working and managing your own schedule, alongside collaborating with your team to achieve results, is necessary.
• This role primarily operates Monday to Friday, but occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts may be required to support the team.

• Impactful Work:
  Be part of meaningful changes in young people’s lives every day, witnessing their successful transitions to independence.
• Career Growth:
  Enhance your understanding and gain qualifications and experience in housing support and working with vulnerable individuals or those experiencing homelessness.
• Supportive Environment:
  Collaborate within dedicated teams across Nottinghamshire that value teamwork, continuous learning, and compassion.

Application requirements:

• This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (paid for by YMCA) and registration with the DBS Update Service.
• We reserve the right to withdraw this role before the closing date should we be able to appoint to the role.

37.5 hours per week

• Equivalent of 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing 1 day each year for your first 5 years.
• Workplace pension with Royal London (3% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution).
• 4 x Life Insurance/Death in Service while in the pension scheme.
• Reduced school holiday childcare places at YMCA Camp Williams Nottingham & Newark.
• 10% off in our hospitality venues including the Malt Cross and the Café at our Activity Village in Newark.
• Pastoral support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Excellent opportunities for development and progression.
• Support for further study up to post‑graduate level 7 courses.
• £500 refer a friend scheme applicable across the Group.
• Regular ongoing in‑house training.
• Eligible to join the Blue Light Discount scheme.
• Staff events and annual celebrations.

On passing probation, you can select from one of the following additional benefits:

• Private medical and dental cashback scheme with Westfield Health and access to Westfield Rewards for high street discounts.
• £120 cash annual contribution towards either:
  Travel costs or
  Childcare costs or
  Private gym membership.