Salary: £28,000 pro-rata for 32-hours (£35,000 FTE)
Location: YMCA Leicester Sites
Contract: Grant Funded
Help young people build resilience and brighter futures
YMCA Leicestershire believes every young person has the strengths and potential to thrive.
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate practitioner to provide trauma-informed support to young people with complex emotional and mental health challenges living in our supported accommodation.
Working with a caseload of around 10 young people, you will build trusting relationships and deliver therapeutic, practical and psychoeducational support. You will help young people understand and manage their wellbeing, develop healthier coping strategies and access appropriate services, focussing on “what’s strong” rather than “what’s wrong”.
The role:
- Complete holistic mental health risk assessments, safety and support plans.
- Deliver interventions that reduce harm, strengthen protective factors and help prevent crises.
- Creatively engage young people who may not yet be ready to access support.
- Work with YMCA colleagues, health professionals and external agencies to coordinate support.
- Promote each young person’s strengths, independence, choice and responsibility.
- Co-facilitate wellbeing activities, including a Decider Skills group.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring, evaluation and funder reports.
About you:
You will be a confident, reflective practitioner who can work independently, exercise sound judgement and remain calm in challenging situations.
You will need:
- Experience supporting young people with complex emotional and mental health needs, trauma-related behaviours and relationship difficulties.
- Experience applying therapeutic approaches safely and effectively.
- The ability to assess risk, develop safety plans and manage crisis.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and professional curiosity.
- Excellent communication and multi-agency working skills
- Strong recording, monitoring and reporting skills.
- A creative, self-motivated and solution-focused approach.
Essential Qualification:
Recognised degree level qualification in mental health, mental health nursing, substance misuse, social work, criminal justice or psychology.
Training in Decider Skills, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT or counselling would be an advantageous.
What we offer:
A supportive, values-led culture; regular supervision and professional development
6.6 week’s annual leave, including bank holidays (pro-rata), Birthday leave, service leave (pro-rata), company sick pay, pension and health cash plan, free on-site gym, menopause welfare leave, complimentary Y Theatre tickets and Blue Light card eligibility.
Important Information:
This post is grant funded through the NHS “Getting Help in Neighbourhoods” project. We have applied for further funding for 2027-2029 and are awaiting confirmation.
About YMCA Leicestershire
YMCA Leicestershire is a vibrant charity offering supported accommodation for young people aged 16 - 25, homeless services, children’s residential care, sports facilities and The Y Theatre, Leicester’s oldest theatre. Our vision is for every young person to have a safe place to call home and the support they need to create lasting change in their lives.
Safeguarding Statement:
We are dedicated to upholding best practices to ensure the safety and well-being of children, young people, and adults at risk. Our goal is to create an environment free from harm and abuse. If harm or abuse is identified or suspected, YMCA expects staff and volunteers to take appropriate action by responding and referring in line with our policies and operational procedures.
EDI Statement:
At YMCA Leicestershire, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values the unique contribution of every individual. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and we are especially keen to hear from those who are currently underrepresented in our organisation and the wider charity sector.
We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, empowered, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.
GDPR Statement:
Applicants personal data will be handled in accordance with YMCA Leicestershire’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
