At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide culturally responsive counselling and support for young people aged 8–24 from diverse backgrounds.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for children and young people in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while promoting mental health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, BACP accreditation, and experience with young people.
The predicted salary is between 34475 - 34475 £ per year.
35.5 hours per week / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview).
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 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. If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
You will hold a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum two years), alongside BACP accreditation (or eligibility for accreditation) or registration with a relevant professional body. You will bring experience of working with children and young people aged 8–24 with mental health needs, including delivering evidence-based, low-intensity interventions. You are a confident and collaborative team player, comfortable working under supervision and within a multidisciplinary setting.
You will have strong safeguarding knowledge, the ability to run groups or structured activities, and be able to communicate clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing. You will have experience of supporting children and young people from mixed heritage or Global Majority backgrounds, with an understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice. Knowledge of, or experience working alongside, local statutory and voluntary services will be important in helping young people access the support they need.
Above all, you will be able to work ethically and effectively with children and young people within a time-limited framework, building trust, promoting resilience, and supporting 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 14 June 2026 at midnight.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so 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.
Global Majorities Wellbeing Counsellor for CYP employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to the wellbeing of children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Our innovative approach to mental health services not only empowers our staff but also allows them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Majorities Wellbeing Counsellor for CYP
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work with children and young people. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to wellbeing counselling. Think about how you can showcase your experience with diverse backgrounds and your approach to creating safe spaces for young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Majorities Wellbeing Counsellor for CYP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support children and young people from Global Majority backgrounds.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through! Share why you're passionate about working with children and young people, especially those facing challenges. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity as it helps us understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at YMCA DownsLink Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific needs of children and young people from Global Majority backgrounds. Brush up on culturally responsive practices and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build trust and rapport with young people. Share examples of how you've created safe spaces for them to express their feelings and concerns, highlighting your understanding of their unique challenges.
✨Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, so be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with other professionals or organisations to enhance service delivery and support for young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation’s approach to mental health support and community partnerships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation’s values align with yours.
