Emotional Health Worker

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP; Crawley; On-site; GBP 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Crawley seeks an Emotional Mental Health Worker to assist young people aged 11-25. This position involves delivering seven sessions of support, facilitating groups, and working with various agencies to promote emotional well-being. Candidates should have a background in safeguarding and knowledge of mental health pathways. This part-time role offers a salary of £26,765 per annum pro rata, with sessions held primarily on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Responsibilities

• Offer seven sessions of support to each young person, including initial needs assessment and weekly sessions.
• Lead on facilitation of emotional well-being and psycho-educational groups.
• Support young people transitioning from specialist CAMHS/AMHS services.
• Work systemically with parents/carers, educators, and health professionals.
• Develop links with agencies and make appropriate referrals.
• Promote service user participation and voice.
• Comply with safeguarding, health & safety, data protection and EDI policies.

Skills

Knowledge of issues facing young people, especially those socially excluded

Experience in safeguarding children and young people

Ability to support appropriate mental health pathways

Training in emotional wellbeing interventions or qualification in youth work

Understanding of short-term support models

Job description

15 hours per week / £26,765 per annum pro rata / fixed term until 31 March 2027 / working two days a week;Tuesday 10am-6pm and Friday 10am-6pm

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what's right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

We are recruiting for an Emotional Mental Health Worker to support young people aged 11-25 living in Crawley and surrounding areas.

Mind The Gap Emotional Health Support offers young people an alternative way of accessing mental health support. The service offers support to young people who are struggling to find or engage with the right services. This support offer is youth-work based non-clinical support. Working primarily from Crawley Youth Advice Centre, you will deliver face-to-face sessions using evidence-based interventions to engage, educate and empower young people around issues affecting their emotional wellbeing.

Key responsibilities

• Offer seven sessions of support to each young person, including initial needs assessment and weekly sessions
• Lead on facilitation of emotional well-being and psycho-educational groups
• Support young people transitioning from specialist CAMHS/AMHS services
• Work systemically with parents/carers, educators, and health professionals
• Develop links with agencies and make appropriate referrals
• Promote service user participation and voice
• Comply with safeguarding, health & safety, data protection and EDI policies

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• Knowledge of issues facing young people, especially those socially excluded
• Experience in safeguarding children and young people
• Ability to support appropriate mental health pathways
• Training in emotional wellbeing interventions or qualification in youth work
• Understanding of short-term support models

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact [e-mail]. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at [e-mail].

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 8 February 2026 at midnight.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; 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.