Youth Housing Support Specialist (Trauma-Informed)

YMCA DownsLink Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA DownsLink Group’s Guildford Foyer provides a 33-bed supported housing service for young people aged 16 to 25. The role involves working on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, to provide low to medium level support in a trauma-informed and psychologically informed environment.

You will assist residents with occupancy agreements, rent responsibilities, safeguarding, and personal development.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing or supported accommodation.
• Strong understanding of occupancy agreements, rent management, welfare benefits, and tenancy sustainment.
• Ability to manage arrears, ASB, and other non-compliance issues using restorative approaches.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, safeguarding procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with statutory and voluntary services available to young people and ability to work with a caseload towards independence.

Responsibilities

• Support young people to understand and comply with occupancy agreements and house rules.
• Promote rent payments and financial awareness among residents.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation and organisational policies.
• Respond to breaches of agreement including arrears and antisocial behaviour using restorative approaches.

Skills

Record-keeping

Clear communication

Relationship building

Autonomy

IT skills

De-escalation

Signposting & advocacy

Tools

In-Form (client database)

Job description

YMCA DownsLink Group’s Guildford Foyer provides a 33-bed supported housing service for young people aged 16 to 25. The role involves working on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, to provide low to medium level support in a trauma-informed and psychologically informed environment.

You will assist residents with occupancy agreements, rent responsibilities, safeguarding, and personal development.