Youth Engagement Coordinator

22.5 hours per week / permanent / £26,755 per annum pro rata / requirement of at least one evening per week - working pattern 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.

Our Youth Voice and Engagement team specialise in youth participation and digital co-production. They have an organisation-wide strategic remit to develop and embed an inclusive and accessible youth voice and leadership programme. The team is also responsible for the delivery of our digital e-wellbeing service and the development of other digital platforms to meet the needs of the children and young people we support.

We are recruiting for a Youth Voice and Engagement Co-ordinator to help us bring youth participation to life across East Sussex. As part of our Youth Engagement Team, you’ll lead the delivery of our Youth Voice Action Plan, working directly with young people in supported accommodation, therapeutic services, and youth advice settings in West Sussex. You’ll collaborate with frontline staff to embed meaningful engagement practices and ensure young people’s voices are heard, valued, and acted upon.

Your contracted base will be Eastbourne Foyer, and the role will be delivered on-site within residents' houses across our Housing Services in East Sussex.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

We are recruiting a Youth Voice and Engagement Co-ordinator, who has experience in youth engagement, co-production, or participation work. The successful applicant will have strong facilitation and communication skills and a proactive, organised, and collaborative approach. You will also have the ability to build trust with young people and staff alike and knowledge of trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 24 May 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.