Community Counsellor

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 offer 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.

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.