At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling support to young people, helping them navigate mental health challenges.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity for children and young people in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to combine roles for more hours and impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people and shaping their futures.
- Qualifications: Qualified counsellor with BACP membership and experience working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 34475 - 34475 £ per year.
7.5 hours per week / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working day to 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.
YMCA Community Counselling Dialogue offers free short-term face-to-face, group and online therapy for young people aged 11-18 who live or have a GP in West Sussex. We offer a range of talking therapies, group sessions for young people who are struggling with their mental health. We see young people in different locations in the community such as youth centres, children and family centres and our own buildings. Our online counselling takes place over an electronic therapy platform.
We are recruiting for a qualified counsellor to join our team of therapists as a Community Counsellor based in Littlehampton. You will be passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. Your contracted base will be our main office in central Hove, and you will deliver services in Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Key responsibilities
- Offer assessments to children and young people within the Tier 2 Counselling Service
- Manage a caseload of children and young people, delivering counselling within the West Sussex Dialogue service model
- Work with the project administrator and project manager to ensure high quality delivery of service
- Work systemically, e.g. liaise with and include parent/carers, educators, health professionals when appropriate and as agreed by the client
- Manage the tight time boundaries of the role and the often complex and varied workload
- To develop and co-facilitate groups for children and young people in the service
- Work at all times within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and follow YMCA Dialogue safeguarding procedures and policies
- Maintain individual membership of the BACP and to become a Registered Member (or other professional body such as HCPC)
Qualifications, knowledge, and experience
- Experience of working as a Counsellor post-qualified at diploma, graduate or post-graduate level or equivalent, including working with risk issues
- You will have a BACP Membership; BACP Registered or Accredited. Or other professional body e.g. HCP
- You will also have a sound understanding of child protection and vulnerable adult safeguarding issues, policies, and procedures
- An in-depth understanding of counselling theory and practice and working to short-term models
- You will have proven experience in safeguarding children and young people, responding to, managing, and referring safeguarding issues
- You will be familiar with using creative therapeutic approaches, along with experience of working with children and young people aged 11-18 in community settings
Please note we are also recruiting for a School Counsellor in Bognor Regis (7.5 hours per week – term-time only / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working one day per week 8.30am-4.30pm - working day to be discussed at interview) and there is an opportunity to combine this Community Counsellor role to make a two-day role. If you are interested in both roles, please let us know in your application.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Tracy.Partridge@ymcadlg.org. If you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment@ymcadlg.org.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 22 April 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.
Community Counsellor in Littlehampton 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 commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration among our team members. As a Community Counsellor based in Littlehampton, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver vital mental health support while working within a passionate team that values integrity, compassion, and connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Counsellor in Littlehampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to community counselling. Think about how you can showcase your passion for making a difference in young people's lives – that’s what YMCA is all about!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing the job. It shows you’re serious about joining the YMCA team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently. Let’s get you started on this journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Counsellor in Littlehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see how you connect with our values and how you can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in counselling, especially with young people. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the challenges they face.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Values
YMCA DownsLink Group places a strong emphasis on values like doing what's right, working with heart, and building real connections. Make sure you can articulate how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples from your experience that demonstrate this alignment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in counselling, especially with young people aged 11-18. Highlight any specific cases or situations where you've successfully managed risk issues or used creative therapeutic approaches, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Understand the Community Context
Familiarise yourself with the community settings where you'll be working, such as youth centres and family centres in Littlehampton. Showing that you understand the local context and the challenges faced by young people in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to making a meaningful difference.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Since the role requires adherence to the BACP Ethical Framework, be ready to discuss ethical dilemmas you may have faced in your practice. Think about how you navigated these situations while ensuring the safety and well-being of your clients, as this will show your professionalism and integrity.
