Advice Worker - Housing

37 hours per week / fixed term until 31 March 2027 / Working pattern Monday - Wednesday 0930-1730, Thursday 1100-1900, Friday 0900-1630 (to be confirmed)

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.

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.

Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers information, support and guidance to young people (13-25) and their families in Brighton and Hove. The YAC team offer expertise on a wide range of topics including housing, wellbeing and family relationships. We provide a safe and friendly environment where everyone is made to feel welcome.

We are on the lookout for a new specialist housing advisor to join the YAC team. Based in the heart of Brighton, you will support young people to understand their housing options, make referrals on their behalf, and advocate when needed to ensure young people get the support they need. You will be based within the advice centre and form part of the team who deliver drop-in clinics and appointments. As well as providing one to one work, this role will also focus on prevention and early intervention through the delivery of workshops in schools, colleges and other youth settings.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

Experience in a housing or advice setting is desirable; however, this is not essential as we will provide a full induction and training package. The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage with young people, hear their voice and co-produce their support plans looking at their holistic needs, be able to professionally challenge decisions advocate on their behalf, work with professional networks to provide support, identify safeguarding concerns and risk, and hold strong professional boundaries at all times.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 17 May 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: 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.