Advice Worker – Children’s Wellbeing

29.5 hours per week / £27,305 per annum, pro rata / fixed term until 31 March 2027 / Working pattern Monday 1230-2030 (North), Tuesday 1100-1900 (North), Thursday 1100-1900 (Central), Friday 0900-1630 (Central).

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.

Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers information, support and guidance to young people (13-25) and their families in Brighton and Hove. The YAC team offer expertise on a wide range of topics including housing, wellbeing and family relationships. We provide a safe and friendly environment where everyone is made to feel welcome.

We are on the lookout for two Advice Workers to join the YAC team. Based in the heart of Brighton, you will provide information, advice and guidance to children and young people on a wide variety of issues affecting their wellbeing.

This role is part of the Youth Advice Centre’s funding through Young Futures Hubs, a pilot initiative rolled out nationally to provide targeted support for 11–19-year-olds.

You will be delivering high-quality YIACS support to children and young people in youth spaces (for example, youth clubs, groups and other community settings) and at the Youth Advice Centre.

The role includes outreach where young people feel most comfortable accessing support to deliver 1:1 and group sessions. Delivery will focus on areas in the north of the city, alongside locations in central Brighton.

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.

You are a compassionate, approachable and motivated individual who is passionate about supporting young people aged 11–25, including those experiencing crisis or complex challenges. You’ll understand the importance of safeguarding and feel confident responding to risk, while recognising the wider issues that can impact young people’s lives and wellbeing.

You can quickly build trusting relationships, communicate clearly, and engage young people in meaningful support, whether through one-to-one work, outreach or workshops. Working closely with partners, you’ll advocate for young people and help them access the support they need, always acting with empathy, professionalism and sound judgement.

You will be a collaborative team player who can also work independently, make thoughtful and balanced decisions, and keep clear, accurate records. Most importantly, you will take a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach - seeing and valuing each young person’s potential and empowering them to stay engaged and move towards positive outcomes.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 25 May 2026 at midnight, if we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged.

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.