Youth Worker

We're Hiring: Play & Youth Work Lead | Doorstep Homeless Families Project
Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% of gross salary
~30 days paid holiday

The hours onsite will be worked over Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday, with normal working hours falling between 9.Every day, we stand alongside families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe, welcoming space within a large family hostel where children can play, learn, and simply be themselves.
We are looking for a passionate and creative Lead Play and Youth Worker to guide and inspire our work with children and young people aged 0–18. You will manage a small, dedicated team, shaping and delivering play and youth activities that bring light, laughter, and a sense of belonging to children whose early experiences have often been marked by instability.
We work with families over years, not weeks — building trust, celebrating progress, and helping each young person discover their strengths. If you are someone who believes in the power of play, creativity, and care to transform childhoods — we would love to hear from you.

As Lead Play and Youth Worker at Doorstep, you’ll be at the heart of our mission — creating moments of joy, stability, and growth for children and young people who are living through uncertain times. One moment you might be leading an energetic after-school club session; the next, you’re supporting teens to express themselves through art, music, or discussion.
You’ll manage and inspire a small, talented team of play and youth workers, ensuring that every activity we offer — whether it’s creative play, learning support, or outdoor adventure — reflects Doorstep’s core values of respect, belonging, and hope. You’ll plan and deliver programmes across all age groups (0–18 years), adapting to the needs and interests of children and young people as they grow.
You’ll work closely with families, colleagues, and partner organisations to provide continuity and care, helping to make Doorstep a place where children feel seen, valued, and free to thrive.
Your creativity, empathy, and commitment will help shape the next chapter of Doorstep’s play and youth work, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors is met with warmth, opportunity, and care.

Leadership and Team Management
Lead, supervise, and support a small team of play and youth workers and volunteers.
Provide regular supervision, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that reflects Doorstep’s values.
Programme Planning and Delivery
Design, plan, and deliver a varied programme of play, creative, and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
Encourage children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop positive relationships.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
To fulfill the statutory responsibilities of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in Doorstep’s services.
Ensure staff and volunteers follow safeguarding procedures and receive appropriate training.
Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging their involvement in children’s play and learning.
Represent Doorstep at relevant meetings, forums, and networks to share best practice and strengthen partnerships.
Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes to demonstrate impact and inform future development.
Support funding applications and project reports by providing relevant data and case studies.
Uphold Doorstep’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Relevant qualification in playwork, youth work, early years, or a related field (Level 3 or above) or equivalent.
Significant experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating play and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
Experience of supervising or managing staff and/or volunteers within a play, youth, or community setting.
Strong understanding of child development and the role of play in supporting wellbeing, resilience, and growth.
Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
Experience of working with families facing disadvantage, housing instability, or other complex challenges.
Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, and professionals.
Creative and resourceful approach to planning activities that engage children of different ages and abilities.
Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team to achieve shared goals.
Personal Qualities
Warm, approachable, and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for families experiencing homelessness.
Reliable, flexible, and resilient in the face of challenging circumstances.
Reflective, open to learning, and committed to professional development.
Enthusiastic about play and youth work as powerful tools for change and belonging

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.