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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: Join a passionate team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 32565 - 45591 £ 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 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) 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 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.
Key responsibilities are:
- 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, 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 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
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this secondment opportunity, please contact Emma.Kester@ymcadlg.org. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment@ymcadlg.org.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 15 February 2026 at midnight. Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; 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.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
Contact Detail:
YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission to support children and young people, and think about how your experiences align with that. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and working with vulnerable young people. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our mission to make a difference in the lives of young people.
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 specific examples that demonstrate your skills in supporting vulnerable young people, so don’t hold back!
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. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding child sexual exploitation and the specific challenges faced by young people. Familiarise yourself with the WiSE SOLAH project and its objectives, as well as the role's responsibilities. This will show your passion and commitment to safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant qualifications and experiences in youth work or social work. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable young people, especially in safeguarding contexts. Highlight any group work experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This role requires a compassionate approach. Think about how you can convey your understanding of the emotional demands of working with at-risk youth. Share instances where you've successfully built trust and rapport with young people, showcasing your ability to create safe spaces for them.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support systems in place for staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.
