Recruitment drive following support housing demand

YMCA Robin Hood Group is expanding its services for young people in supported housing, after seeing an increased demand following the pandemic and as a result of the cost of living crisis.

The Mansfield, Ashfield and Nottinghamshire branches of the charity are recruiting for 49 roles across the supported housing team, with opportunities for people who are just starting their careers, as well as positions for managers and experienced workers who are considering a change in direction.

YMCA Robin Hood Group is also training all team members in how to provide financial advice to young people in their care, with guidance on key skills such as budgeting, managing the cost of living crisis and balancing the costs of a weekly shop.

Young residents aged 16+ in YMCA supported housing can access trauma support and life skills training such as cooking classes, healthy eating, careers advice and teamwork, with a recent group experiencing the rock-based activity ‘weaselling’ on a trip to the Peak District.

Helen Lambert, Head of Supported Housing at YMCA Robin Hood Group, says: “We aim to provide good quality, safe accommodation to young people and give them the opportunity to discover who they are and what they could become. We are currently seeing a surge in demand from young people, who are dealing with the impact of the pandemic, coupled with the cost of living crisis which, sadly, we expect will hit this age group even harder in the coming months.

“In order to meet this unprecedented need for accommodation and support, we are expanding our team across a variety of roles. We welcome all candidates who want to work for a purpose-driven organisation and make a real difference to the lives of young people, every single day. Previous experience in the housing sector isn’t essential, and we provide thorough training to our team members. In return, we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, subsidised childcare, training and development and workplace benefits.”

In 2021-22, YMCA Robin Hood Group supported 1,235 residents, with a record 62% positive move-on rate. A case study of a young resident, Shannon, is available via the following link: https://www.ymcarobinhood.org/news/shannons-story/

Vacancies include: Support Service Manager, Senior Youth Housing Support Worker, Tenancy Sustainment Worker, Housing Duty Worker and Housing Duty Manager.

Further information and details on how to apply for a vacancy are available on the YMCA’s website: www.ymcarobinhood.org/careers.