Learning manager volunteer jobs in Haywards heath, england

Location - Hybrid (based at home or local community) with regular travel in the South of England 

Are you a communications professional looking for an exciting and rewarding new role? Emmaus UK is recruiting for a Regional Communications Officer to help support people on their journey out of homelessness.

About Emmaus

Emmaus (pronounced em-may-us) is a movement of charities that empowers people to overcome homelessness. We provide a stable home and tailored, life-changing support for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By focusing on each person’s strengths, we help people rebuild their lives and work towards the future they want to create.

As part of a nationwide network of Emmaus charities, we provide skills, training and work experience to help people achieve their goals and regain independence.

Together, we are ending homelessness one person at a time.

About the role

The Regional Communications Officer role is an exciting and varied opportunity to work with Emmaus communities across the South of the UK, helping to raise their profile and engage supporters.

You will work closely with up to four Emmaus communities to identify their communications needs and deliver a mix of activity to help them achieve their goals. As part of a wider team, you will also share ideas and build on each other’s experience to maximise PR, digital and communications opportunities.

This is a hybrid role, offering the flexibility to work from home or from within an Emmaus community.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders will be key to this role. Regular travel to your allocated communities is essential, typically at least once a week, so we are looking for someone based in or around London. You will also attend quarterly team meetings, usually held in Birmingham, although these may occasionally take place elsewhere in the UK and may require an overnight stay.

This is a part-time role, Monday to Friday, with a minimum of 22.5 hours a week (three days) and the potential for the role to be four days a week (30 hours), to be confirmed at interview.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a strong communications skillset and at least two years’ experience in a busy communications, public relations or marketing role. While not essential, knowledge of homelessness and the charity sector would be an advantage.

Creativity and passion are essential. You will have a broad range of communications skills, enjoy seeing your ideas come to life and be keen to continue developing your experience within a national homelessness charity.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with different people and communities. The successful candidate will be organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple projects, relationships and campaigns.

If you are passionate about making a difference and creating long-lasting impact, this is the perfect time to join Emmaus UK.
 

What we offer

· Salary: £18,696 (3 days)/£24,928 (4 days)

· Working hours: Part-time minimum of 22.5 hours a week (three days), and the potential for the role to be four days a week (30 hours)

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development: Individually tailored induction. Ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: A 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for this role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us, our email address is in the application pack.

Please ensure you refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form. CVs and posted applications will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is Monday 11 May 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing Monday, 18 May 2026. As part of the interview process, candidates will also be asked to complete a set of tasks.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us, our email address is in the application pack.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a working environment free from discrimination. We actively promote an inclusive culture and aim to create a workplace where people from diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate, all applications are anonymised until the interview stage is confirmed. This means shortlisting is based solely on the relevance and suitability of experience.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite / this role operates on a seven‑day rolling rota following a four‑on, four‑off shift pattern. Shifts will include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

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.

Horsham Y Centre provides 24-hour supported housing services offering medium levels of housing-related support for young people aged 16-25 with 50 bedspaces and shared communal facilities. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs, relationship building and wellbeing. Situated in the middle of Horsham, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community.

We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures.

We are looking for a Housing Night Worker to join our team at Horsham Y Centre. You will respond promptly to any reported incidents, accidents, or concerns, carrying out thorough checks and taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site. You will also take a proactive approach to preventing anti‑social behaviour, working closely with support staff to maintain a positive environment. In addition, you will carry out one‑to‑one interventions with young people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or who require medical assistance, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate support.

What you will be doing - this is more than a night shift role - it’s an opportunity to make a real difference, working as part of a dedicated team committed to helping young people grow and develop.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

Safety and security

• Provide a friendly, professional presence and ensure the building remains safe, secure and welcoming at night.
• Support resident wellbeing by upholding health and safety procedures, house rules and tenancy requirements.
• Monitor risks and respond to incidents calmly and appropriately, recording and reporting to the relevant teams. 

Resident engagement

• Welcome residents and offer informal, responsive assistance to help them develop confidence, independence and life skills.
• Encourage residents to share their views and engage with available services and opportunities.
• Assist with evening groupwork sessions that promote learning, wellbeing and positive development.

Administration and housekeeping

• Complete essential admin tasks including data entry, case notes and record management.
• Carry out routine health and safety, compliance and room checks.
• Log maintenance issues to ensure the building remains safe and well maintained.

General

• Work collaboratively on a four‑on, four‑off rota, providing consistent, non‑judgemental support overnight.
• Maintain a calm, professional approach and handle challenging situations effectively.
• Take part in ongoing training and reflective practice to support psychologically informed care.

This role involves lone working, so you will need to be confident in decision‑making and in following procedures. However, before joining the rota, you will have the opportunity to get to know the team and services, take part in a full induction, complete the required training, and undertake shadow shifts to ensure you feel confident, supported, and well prepared.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we are looking for.

About you - this is a dynamic role for someone passionate, empathetic and committed to young people’s development.

Experience and knowledge

• Experience in a customer‑facing role, staying calm and solutions‑focused during challenging situations.
• An understanding of the needs and experiences of young people and adults at risk.
• Awareness of trauma and the ability to work in a strengths‑based, compassionate way.
• Confidence in accurate record‑keeping, including incident logs and health and safety checks.
• Basic safeguarding knowledge and the ability to maintain professional boundaries (training provided).

Skills and abilities

• Clear verbal and written communication, with accurate handovers for day‑time colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships.
• Comfortable lone‑working, using initiative, and working as part of a team.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and basic system navigation (training provided).
• Ability to de‑escalate situations and manage challenging behaviour calmly.
• You will bring an awareness of the challenges young people face and the ability to connect with them positively 

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 17 May 2026 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.

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.