At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling and support for young people from diverse backgrounds, creating safe spaces for wellbeing.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on mental health and community partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a supportive environment.
- 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 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 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.
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.
Locations
Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Brighton, Hove employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
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. As a Wellbeing Counsellor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds while working within a passionate team that values connection and compassion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Brighton, Hove
✨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. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching YMCA DownsLink Group's values and services. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to support young people from diverse backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around culturally responsive practice and working with Global Majority communities. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Brighton, Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Wellbeing Counsellor. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support children and young people from Global Majority backgrounds.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experiences, especially those that demonstrate your ability to work with diverse groups. We’re keen to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so give us the good stuff!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value genuine connections, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for supporting young people and your commitment to inclusivity. It’s all about being real with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about our values and mission while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the YMCA DownsLink Group’s mission and values. Understand their approach to mental health support, especially for children and young people from Global Majority backgrounds. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with children and young people, particularly those from mixed heritage or Global Majority backgrounds. Be ready to discuss how you’ve delivered culturally responsive counselling and built meaningful relationships in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current initiatives for supporting diverse communities or how they measure the success of their wellbeing services. This shows you’re engaged and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts, triaged referrals, or supported inclusive practices, highlighting your ability to work well with different professionals.
