Wellbeing Children & Young People’s (CYP) Lead at YMCA DownsLink Group

Community Base; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A therapeutic services organization in Brighton is looking for a Wellbeing Children & Young People's Lead to oversee therapeutic services for young people. The role includes providing leadership, managing counselling provision, and ensuring compliance in safeguarding practices. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of post-qualified experience in counselling, strong management skills, and knowledge in child protection. This role offers hybrid work options with 36 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Over 2 years post-qualified experience in counselling.
• Supervision and support experience for staff.
• Understanding of child development and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management to wellbeing workers.
• Carry out individual counselling assessments.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols.

Skills

Line management skills

Counselling

Safeguarding knowledge

Team management

Education

Counselling Diploma or equivalent

BACP Registration or Accreditation

Job description

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. 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.

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 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 postgraduate 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.

36 hours per week / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview