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- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people aged 10-25 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 facing serious challenges.
- 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 supporting 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 contributing 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 deputising 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
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner in London 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 in London
✨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
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your passion for working with vulnerable young people. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to show your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
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 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 and take the time to follow our process. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner in London
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 connect with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on showing us your passion!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with vulnerable young people. We love seeing real-life stories that illustrate your impact, so share those moments that made a difference!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your motivations for applying and what drives you to support young people facing challenges.
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 this exciting opportunity. 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 ins and outs of child sexual exploitation and the specific challenges young people face. Familiarise yourself with YMCA's WiSE project and its mission. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in safeguarding and working with vulnerable young people. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, whether through casework or group work. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with other professionals, be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes for young people. Highlighting your ability to build connections will resonate well with their values.
✨Self-Care is Key
Given the emotional demands of the role, it's important to discuss how you manage stress and maintain your wellbeing. Be prepared to share your strategies for self-care and how you seek support when needed. This shows that you’re aware of the challenges and are proactive about your mental health.
