Child Sexual Exploitation; CSE Practitioner

37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum, pro rata / fixed‑term Maternity cover (12 Months)/ working Monday - Thursday 9.00-1700, Friday .

At YMCA Downs Link Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self‑confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

YMCA What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) is our child sexual exploitation project which works with children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. Our primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation through raising awareness, education and empowerment.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner
. You will work alongside the Service Manager, Early Intervention Worker and two other practitioners, colocated at Staines Police Station with the Exploitation Team. The role involves a significant amount of lone working with frequent travel across Surrey to see clients and attend meetings, with occasional travel further afield.

In delivering the role, you will involve carrying a caseload of young people aged 10‑25 who are vulnerable to sexual or criminal exploitation, providing intensive, client‑centred care and working closely with professionals across agencies.

• Manage a caseload of vulnerable young people and support them to stay safe and leave the influence of perpetrators
• Work with other professionals to deliver tailored care packages and provide consultation
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to timely reports
• Liaise with Children’s Services, Surrey Police and other agencies to disrupt abuse and support prosecutions
• Deliver training and awareness‑raising workshops to professionals and foster carers
• Contribute to strategic development and deputise at relevant meetings

This is a challenging role where children and young people do not always identify the level of risk they are exposed to or the abusive nature of the relationships they are in. The support of victims can be distressing and emotionally demanding for the workers, consequently 1-to-1 clinical supervision, weekly team meetings and regular line management supervision of cases and wellbeing.

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people
• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support to young people aged 10 to 25 years old
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk‑assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this secondment opportunity, please contact Emma.

Kester. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment.

CLOSING DATE:
Sunday 8 February 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.

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.