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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people to stay safe from exploitation and promote healthy relationships.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, dedicated to safeguarding 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 working creatively and collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or social work, with a focus on safeguarding and casework.
- Other info: Dynamic role with emotional support and supervision for staff.
The predicted salary is between 32565 - 36400 £ per year.
37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum / fixed-term until 31 March 2027 / working Monday - Thursday 9.00-17.00, Friday 9.00-16.30.
At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be is achieved 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) works to prevent and disrupt the sexual exploitation of children and young people aged 5-25 across East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and Surrey. We are a specialist team of passionate, dedicated professionals who support each other to work in this challenging area. We deliver trauma informed, consent-based work with young people, schools, statutory services and Sussex Police.
The WiSE SOLAH ("safer online at home") project focuses on one-to-one interventions as well as group work, training for professionals and creation of resources to challenge the risk presented from the online space.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH. We are looking for someone who is passionate about safeguarding children and young people, working creatively around promoting healthy relationships, online safety whilst creating safe spaces for children and young people to be heard.
You will provide early intervention support to children and young people 5-25 years who have been identified as being at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation. Working primarily across Rye, Eastbourne, Robertsbridge and Hastings, you will support children and young people to stay safe online and within their communities by providing consultation, guidance and professional support to those working directly with individuals at risk of exploitation. As the role involves travel across East Sussex, you will ideally need access to a car and the ability to drive.
Your work will include exploring key topics with young people such as risk, healthy and unhealthy relationships, sex and consent, negotiation and assertiveness, protective behaviours, personal boundaries, harmful sexual behaviours, gender identities, and concepts of masculinity.
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, Sussex 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.
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.
Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH 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 - SOLAH
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of child safeguarding and exploitation. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about safeguarding children. Authenticity goes a long way in making connections that can help you land that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around promoting healthy relationships and online safety. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but this job!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in youth work or social work. We’re looking for those transferable skills, so don’t be shy about showcasing how your background aligns with the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the WiSE team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of child sexual exploitation and the specific challenges faced by young people. Brush up on relevant legislation, safeguarding practices, and the role of online safety in your work. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Show Your Passion
YMCA DownsLink Group values heart and connection, so let your passion for safeguarding children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping vulnerable young people. This will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving young people at risk. Think about past experiences where you've successfully supported someone in a similar context. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
