Youth jobs in Brighton and Hove

37 hours per week / Monday – Thursday 0900-1700, Friday 0900-1630 / fixed-term contract until 31 March 2027.

This role requires regular travel across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and Surrey. Applicants should be able to meet the travel requirements of the role, typically through holding a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

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.

At WiSE, we are committed to helping children and young people aged 0-25 stay safe from sexual exploitation across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and Surrey. We are a supportive team of passionate professionals who work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

Through trauma-informed and consent-based practice, we deliver one-to-one and group support, provide training and guidance to professionals, and work closely with schools, statutory services, and Sussex Police. By building trusted relationships and sharing expertise, we help young people, families, and communities recognise risks, strengthen resilience, and stay safe.

We are looking for a passionate and proactive individual who is committed to safeguarding children and young people and empowering them to thrive. As part of a supportive and innovative team, you will build trusted relationships with young people aged up to 25, delivering creative interventions focused on healthy relationships, online safety, and exploitation prevention. Working alongside partner agencies, schools, colleges, and Sussex Police, you will help young people stay safe, strengthen safeguarding responses, and improve outcomes for those at risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one and group interventions for young people at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.
• Promote healthy relationships, online safety, and resilience.
• Work with Sussex Police and partner agencies to safeguard young people and disrupt exploitation.
• Support young people involved in incidents of online sexual harm.
• Provide advice, guidance, and consultation to professionals, schools, and colleges.
• Deliver training on child exploitation, online safety, and safeguarding.
• Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding and risk management processes.

About you

We are looking for an experienced youth practitioner who is passionate about safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people. You will have experience working directly with young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable to exploitation, and be confident building trusted relationships with young people, families, and professionals.

You will bring:

• Experience delivering one-to-one and group interventions with children and young people.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and sexual and criminal exploitation.
• Experience working with schools, colleges, families, and multi-agency partners.
• The ability to provide advice, support, and training to professionals.
• Excellent communication, risk assessment, and relationship-building skills.
• A flexible, resilient, and trauma-informed approach to working with challenging and sensitive issues.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team.

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• A qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the impact of exploitation, harmful sexual behaviour, and other risks facing vulnerable children and young people.
• An understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, 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 22 November 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 pre-employment screening process conducted by an accredited third-party screening provider. This will include an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks, as determined by the nature of the role and activities undertaken. Screening will also include, but may not be limited to, right to work verification, employment and reference checks, address verification, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) screening.