Male Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization focused on youth support is hiring a Male Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner for 30 hours per week. This role is dedicated to providing vital support and intervention to boys and young men at risk of sexual exploitation across Sussex and Surrey. Responsibilities include producing casework, conducting outreach sessions, and working collaboratively with other professionals. Applicants must have relevant experience in safeguarding and hold a qualification in Youth Work or Social Work.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Experience providing casework support to boys and young men.
• Group work experience with young people.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of boys and young men at risk of sexual exploitation.
• Collaborate with professionals for intensive support.
• Facilitate group work interventions in various settings.

Skills

Safeguarding young children

Casework support

Group work experience

Risk assessment outreach work

Knowledge of sexual exploitation risks

Education

Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

30 hours per week / £32,565 per annum pro rata (fixed term until December 2026) / working Monday – Thursday 9:00–17:00.

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.

YMCA What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) is our child sexual exploitation project which works with children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. Our primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation through raising awareness, education and empowerment.

Role Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Male Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner. This role involves providing specialist support, working across Sussex and Surrey to provide casework support and group interventions to boys and young men at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation, as well as those exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour. You will deliver outreach sessions in various settings, collaborate with professionals to support interventions leading to prosecutions, and provide training on boys/young men and sexual exploitation.

Due to the sensitive nature of the client group and in order to ensure that the young people feel safe, supported and understood, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be male, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

A full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the wide geographic area covered by the service. You will be required to visit head office in Hove once a week for an anchor day; the other days will be across Sussex and Surrey in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of boys and young men identified as exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours and/or being sexually exploited.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to provide intensive and holistic support.
• Maintain detailed case notes and contribute to reports.
• Facilitate group work interventions in schools, accommodation projects and youth groups.
• Deliver detached sessions in various settings to engage at‑risk boys and young men.
• Provide expertise and increase awareness of harmful sexual behaviour and sexual exploitation.
• Contribute to WiSE Child Exploitation training and awareness campaigns.

About You – Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Experience providing casework support to boys and young men.
• Group work experience with young people.
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm.
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people.
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of boys and young men and their lives.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people.

Contact

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

Closing Date

Sunday 4 January at midnight. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Legal and Diversity

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

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 are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third‑party service provider.