About us
We help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health. Each year, we support thousands of children and young people up to the age of 25 across Sussex and Surrey. We offer support in three service areas:
- Housing provision and sustaining accommodation
- Specialist information, advice and support
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health
We are a member of the YMCA Federation of England & Wales and are guided by their vision of ‘transforming communities, so all young people can belong, contribute & thrive’. This vision reflects the original Christian foundation of the YMCA movement, but with a clear emphasis on being an inclusive organisation.
Our values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connection - guide us in all our actions.
Why work for us?
Our Benefits
Health and Wellbeing
*Health Cash Plan with Health shield
Claim money back for dental, optical, physio costs, alongside access to mental health support, remote GP appointments and counsellors.
Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured
Range of confidential support services available to you and your immediate family:
- Telephone helplines available 24/7
- Formal counselling, either in person or telephone sessions
- Online video counselling and online CBT
Occupational Health
We work with Apollo Direct who offer occupational health assessments to support staff with their health/wellbeing.
Family friendly
*Life Assurance Cover
In the event of your death, your nominated individual(s) will receive a one-off payment equivalent to x2 of your annual salary.
Flexible Working patterns
(role and service needs dependant)
- Flexible working hours
- Opportunities to work from home
Maternity leave
(Enhanced package – dependant
Annual leave
Incremental annual leave
27 days a year + bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
After 5 years’ service, increases by 2 days (pro-rated for part-time)
Pension
- A contributory pension scheme with Legal & General. Employees contribute a minimum of 4% of salary (you can opt out) and YMCA DownsLink Group will contribute 3% + 1% tax relief from the government.
- Pension and financial advice appointments with Engage Wealth Management.
Plus
- Free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: You will need a DBS check to clear you to work with children and young people. We will help you with the application and cover the cost, including the Update Service subscription fee.
- Long service awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Blue Light Card
- Company sick pay scheme