At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mental health and advice services for children and young people, shaping future support.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity focused on youth support in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Join an ambitious team with opportunities for growth and impact in the community.
- Other info: Be part of a pivotal moment in an evolving organisation dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while shaping mental health services.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health leadership and a passion for supporting youth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.
We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Mental Health and Advice to join our Executive Team and lead our counselling and specialist support and advice services for children and young people. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for community and schools counselling, specialist youth advice and sexual exploitation services, safeguarding, service quality and contract growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.
You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of mental health and advice support for children and young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.
This appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director role, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.
Closing date: 9am Tuesday 30 June
Director of Mental Health and Advice in Heathfield employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside opportunities for professional development in a transformative environment. Join us at this pivotal moment as we expand our services and deepen our influence, making a real difference in mental health support and advice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Mental Health and Advice in Heathfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health and advice sector, especially those connected to YMCA DLG. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching YMCA DLG’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to support children and young people. Tailor your answers to reflect our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences leading teams and driving change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to connect.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Mental Health and Advice in Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and values that resonate with you. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for mental health and advice, and why you’re excited about joining our team at YMCA DLG.
Tailor Your Application:Generic applications just won’t cut it. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for this role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in mental health support.
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, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in YMCA DLG’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their mental health initiatives and the specific challenges faced by children and young people in Sussex and Surrey. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, particularly in mental health or youth services. Highlight how you’ve influenced positive change and built partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential challenges in community counselling or safeguarding and how you would address them. This will help you illustrate your strategic thinking and adaptability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the organisation's future plans or how they measure the impact of their services. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in contributing to the organisation’s growth.
