Wellbeing Counsellor

32 hours per week / permanent / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview / role may be considered for job share)

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 Wellbeing Counsellor to join our innovative Children and Young People (CYP) Wellbeing Service, which serves as the central hub for all mental health referrals for young people in Brighton & Hove.

In this role, you will provide culturally responsive assessments and counselling interventions, both face-to-face and online, for children and young people aged 8-24 (most common age is 8 to17 years). You will work with young people from a range of backgrounds and communities, including those with diagnosed or suspected neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and Autism.

Alongside delivering therapeutic interventions, you will support the triage and assessment of CYP referrals, work collaboratively within the wider CYP service, and contribute to ensuring equitable access to mental health support across the city.

Qualifications, experience, and knowledge

Essential:

• Graduate or Post Graduate level Counselling or Psychotherapy Diploma (2 years minimum)
• BACP Accreditation or eligibility for accreditation or Accreditation with other relevant professional body
• At least two years' post-qualification experience, or 450+ clinical hours, providing therapeutic support to children and young people.
• Experience of working with risk-related issues and complex needs.
• Proven knowledge of, and experience in, safeguarding children and young people.

You will have experience supporting children and young people aged 8 to 24 with a range of mental health needs, including delivering evidence-based interventions. A confident and collaborative practitioner, you will be comfortable working within a multidisciplinary team and under clinical supervision.

You will have experience facilitating groups and activities, excellent communication skills, and a person-centred approach to supporting young people. Experience working with neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD and autism, is desirable. Knowledge of local statutory and voluntary services would be advantageous.

Above all, you will be committed to delivering safe, ethical and effective support that helps young people build resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Conrad.Foote@ymcadlg.org. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment@ymcadlg.org.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 11 October 2026 at midnight.

TO APPLY: Scroll down the page to the application form. Please download the job profile (below), which includes the full role description and person specification.

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.