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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people affected by sexual exploitation through tailored care and advocacy.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, dedicated to empowering children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or social work, with a focus on safeguarding and casework.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clinical supervision and a chance to grow your skills.
The predicted salary is between 32565 - 45591 £ per year.
37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum, pro rata / fixed-term Maternity cover (12 Months) / working Monday - Thursday 9.00-17.00, Friday 9.00-16.30.
Application closing date: 8 February 2026.
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.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner. You will work alongside the Service Manager, Early Intervention Worker and two other practitioners, co-located at Staines Police Station with the Exploitation Team. The role involves a significant amount of lone working with frequent travel across Surrey to see clients and attend meetings, with occasional travel further afield.
In delivering the role, you will involve carrying a caseload of young people aged 10-25 who are vulnerable to sexual or criminal exploitation, providing intensive, client-centred care and working closely with professionals across agencies.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of vulnerable young people and support them to stay safe and leave the influence of perpetrators.
- Work with other professionals to deliver tailored care packages and provide consultation.
- Maintain accurate case records and contribute to timely reports.
- Liaise with Children’s Services, Surrey Police and other agencies to disrupt abuse and support prosecutions.
- Deliver training and awareness-raising workshops to professionals and foster carers.
- Contribute to strategic development and deputise at relevant meetings.
This is a challenging role where children and young people do not always identify the level of risk they are exposed to or the abusive nature of the relationships they are in. The support of victims can be distressing and emotionally demanding for the workers; consequently, 1-to-1 clinical supervision, weekly team meetings and regular line management supervision of cases and wellbeing are provided.
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.
Qualifications, experience and knowledge:
- Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people.
- Proven experience in safeguarding young children.
- Experience providing casework support to young people aged 10 to 25 years old.
- 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.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of child protection and exploitation. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching YMCA DownsLink Group and their WiSE project. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experiences align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and working with vulnerable young people. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to the role of CSE Practitioner!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with vulnerable young people shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support those affected by exploitation, as this is super important to us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding child sexual exploitation. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, statistics, and best practices in safeguarding young people. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with vulnerable young people. Whether it’s casework, group work, or outreach, be ready to discuss how you've made an impact and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves working closely with other professionals, so be prepared to talk about your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting, especially in challenging situations, and how you can contribute to the WiSE team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support systems in place for staff, the training opportunities available, or how the team measures success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
