Night Support Officer

Night Support Officer

Job Title: Night Support Officer
Location: Bournemouth
Employment Type: Full-time
Working Hours: 44 Hours per week (8 day working week) 9.00pm to 8.00am including weekends and bank holidays
Salary: £26,872.20 per annum
Application Closing Date: 02/11/2026

About Us

YMCA Bournemouth is part of a global organisation making a meaningful difference at a local level across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We are committed to delivering inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking services that respond to the needs of our community. Our work focuses on key areas including Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing. Through these services, we aim to empower individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.

About the Role

We are seeking a Night Support Officer to join our Night Support and Security team and provide overnight security, housing-related support and assistance to residents at YMCA Bournemouth. Working primarily at Delta House, you will help ensure the safety and security of residents, staff, visitors and YMCA premises during the night. The role involves supervising a six-floor hostel comprising 73 hostel rooms, 22 self-contained flats, and a range of programme, public and office areas.

You will provide a calm, supportive and professional presence throughout the night, responding appropriately to emergencies, supporting residents when required and ensuring important information is accurately recorded and handed over to the daytime team.

The successful candidate will be able to work independently while also working collaboratively with colleagues across the Housing and Support team. You will be expected to use a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach when supporting residents and to respond calmly and appropriately to challenging or emergency situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety and security of residents, premises and facilities during night hours, including securing the YMCA building and responding appropriately to emergencies.
• Provide general housing-related advice and support to residents, including responding to individual needs, liaising with key workers and making referrals to relevant agencies where appropriate.
• Accurately record events and important information in the Handover Book, report Serious Incidents when required and ensure relevant information is communicated effectively to day staff.
• Follow YMCA Housing and Support policies and procedures, including appropriate procedures relating to safeguarding, fire safety, first aid, health and safety and emergency situations.
• Support the smooth running of YMCA facilities, including the gymnasium and sports hall, and ensure relevant systems, including EZ Runner and the Housing database, are kept up to date.
• Provide guidance to Night BSO and Relief Night staff as required and contribute to effective team working across the Housing and Support service.

About You

We are looking for a confident, reliable and compassionate individual who can work independently and use sound judgement while supporting vulnerable people in a busy supported-housing environment. You will be able to remain calm when dealing with difficult or challenging situations and demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and administrative skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent IT and administration skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage disputes, resolve conflict and de-escalate challenging situations.
• Ability to apply policies and procedures using sound judgement.
• Ability to work independently, take responsibility and follow instructions from your line manager when required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues and other professionals.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with a methodical approach to work.
• Customer-focused approach, with the ability to deal professionally and compassionately with difficult situations.

Personal Attributes

• Calm, confident and assertive, with the ability to handle conflict appropriately.
• Compassionate and respectful when working with people with support needs or who may be vulnerable.
• Committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.
• Committed to equality, diversity and treating people with dignity and respect.
• Able to work cooperatively as part of a team while also being comfortable working independently.
• Committed to the aims and purposes of YMCA Bournemouth and its Christian foundation.
• Resilient and able to respond appropriately to emergencies and unexpected situations.
• Physically able to work within a six-floor hostel and respond to an emergency evacuation where the lift cannot be used.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Experience of working independently in a position of responsibility and/or supervising other team members.
• Experience of working with clients with support needs or vulnerable people in a strengths-based and trauma-informed way, or a willingness to learn and develop these approaches.
• Knowledge or understanding of adult safeguarding procedures.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety and fire safety procedures.
• Ability to work unsocial hours, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Commitment to YMCA Bournemouth’s aims and purposes, equality and diversity.

Desirable:

• Experience of working within a supported-housing setting.
• Knowledge of housing management procedures, tenancy/licence agreements, Housing Benefit, DWP benefits and Supporting People.
• Qualifications or training in areas such as welfare benefits, housing management, housing-related support, NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care, team leading/management, SIA or First Aid.

If you’re a motivated, compassionate team player who can work confidently at night and wants to help create a safe and supportive environment for residents, we’d love to hear from you!

Why join YMCA Bournemouth?

• Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
• Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
• Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits including a competitive employer pension contribution, access to an Employee Assistance Programme with counselling and virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, Blue Light Card eligibility, and savings across YMCA Bournemouth facilities and services. Additional benefits include discounts on holiday clubs, swimming lessons, children’s activities, café purchases, room hire, wellbeing services and accommodation stays. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.

Additional information:

• The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services.