Wellbeing Children & Young People's (CYP) Lead

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP; Hove; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth support organization in Hove is seeking an experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People’s Lead to shape therapeutic services for young people. The role involves managing a team, ensuring evidence-based practices, and overseeing safeguarding concerns. Candidates should have a counselling diploma, BACP accreditation, and experience in complex cases. This position offers a hybrid work model with a commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• More than 2 years post-qualified counselling experience.
• Demonstrated team management and supervision experience.
• Understanding of safeguarding processes.
• Experience in high-risk and complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide line management support to wellbeing workers.
• Carry out individual counselling assessments.
• Lead safeguarding concerns and compliance.
• Strengthen and expand counselling services.

Skills

Team management

Counselling theory and practice

Child safeguarding knowledge

Experience with complex cases

Education

Counselling Diploma or equivalent

BACP Registration or Accreditation

Job description

36 hours per week / £36,530 per annum pro rata / permanent / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview

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.

Brighton & Hove Wellbeing service is delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group. We offer a variety of support including counselling and psychological therapies to children and young people within Brighton and Hove.

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People’s (CYP) Lead to support and shape our therapeutic services for young people in Brighton and Hove.

Overview of key areas of responsibility

Leadership

• Provide line management support and supervision to wellbeing workers (e.g. counsellors, practitioners, therapists, link workers and trainees).
• Work alongside a team of leads to support the running, development and management of the service.
• Lead induction, mentoring, and training of new staff, trainees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the team.

Core Clinical

• Carry out individual counselling assessments of children and young people and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex or high‑risk cases.
• Ensure all interventions are evidence‑based, child‑centred, and trauma‑informed.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols, therapeutic pathways, and risk assessment frameworks.

Safeguarding and Risk

• Lead and give oversight for safeguarding concerns, embedding a safeguarding‑first culture across the service.
• Work to ensure all counsellors, staff, and volunteers are trained, confident, and compliant in safeguarding practice.
• Implement robust risk assessment and management processes.
• Monitor safeguarding incidents, identify themes, and strengthen safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with schools, health, social care, police, and other agencies in safeguarding matters.

Service Development

• Work with the Service Manager, Leads and Clinical Leads to strengthen and expand counselling provision, including group work.
• Triage referrals and represent the service in multi‑agency triage meetings.
• Promote and develop opportunities for community participation and youth voice in service design.
• Build strong relationships with schools, health services, local authorities, commissioners, and community partners.
• Represent the service at local and regional forums, influencing CYP wellbeing strategies.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• More than 2 years post‑qualified at graduate or post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent [of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy].
• BACP Registration or Accreditation and/or eligible for other Professional Accreditation e.g. UKCP/HPC.
• Strong team‑management and line‑management experience is required, including demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and supporting staff.
• An in depth understanding of counselling theory and practice and working to short‑term models.
• A sound understanding of child developmental processes, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues and procedures, along with proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Solid experience in delivering counselling and assessment, along with experience with high‑risk/complex cases.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary team working, with the ability to work within time‑limited frameworks.

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

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 11 January 2026 at midnight.

Proposed interview date: Thursday 15 January.

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 checks.