Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist, Hove
35.5 hours per week / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview)
Description
YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.
We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.
We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.
Our values—we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections—guide us in all our actions.
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified, experienced Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist to join our innovative Children and Young People (CYP) Wellbeing Service, the central hub for all mental health referrals for young people in Brighton & Hove.
In this role, you will provide culturally responsive assessments, counselling (both face‑to‑face and online), and group work for children and young people aged 8–24 from Black, mixed heritage and Global Majority backgrounds. You will create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported to explore their wellbeing.
Alongside this, you will contribute to wider service delivery by supporting assessments and therapeutic interventions for young people from all backgrounds, helping ensure a flexible and responsive service. You will also play an active role in triaging referrals, working collaboratively across the CYP service to promote equitable and timely access to support.
A key part of the role is building meaningful relationships with Global Majority‑led and community organisations, helping strengthen partnerships across the city. You’ll also share your expertise with colleagues, supporting inclusive practice, co‑production, and equitable approaches to service design, recruitment and delivery.
Qualifications
- Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum two years)
- BACP accreditation (or eligibility for accreditation) or registration with a relevant professional body
- Experience of working with children and young people aged 8–24 with mental health needs, including delivering evidence‑based, low‑intensity interventions
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to run groups or structured activities
- Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing
- Experience supporting children and young people from mixed heritage or Global Majority backgrounds, with an understanding of culturally responsive practice
- Knowledge of, or experience working alongside, local statutory and voluntary services
Additional Information
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 14 June 2026 at midnight.
Please note: We are unable to provide work permits 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.
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