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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging sessions for children and youth, managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Doorstep, a vibrant community organisation supporting families in North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in young lives while shaping innovative programmes that empower local youth.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Youth Work and 3+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: This is a permanent role with 28 hours per week, including face-to-face and admin time.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: North London
Salary: £28,000 - £33,000 per annum
Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin
Contract: Permanent
About Doorstep
Doorstep is a vibrant community organisation providing inclusive support services to children, young people, and families. Our offerings include creches, stay-and-play sessions, after-school and youth clubs, holiday programmes, adult workshops, and practical help such as laundry facilities and a weekly community bazaar. Our mission is to help local families thrive — and we’re now looking for a Play & Youth Work Lead to join us in delivering this vision.
The Role
As the Play & Youth Work Lead, you'll be at the heart of our children and youth services — designing and leading a dynamic, inclusive programme that supports the wellbeing, development, and empowerment of local young people and their families. You’ll manage our play and youth team, run a variety of sessions and events, and work collaboratively with partners and the local community. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, experienced practitioner to make a real difference in young lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead engaging, inclusive sessions across age groups (under 4s to 18s) including after-school clubs and youth programmes.
- Develop and deliver creative, youth-led programmes including play, learning, leadership, and personal development activities.
- Coordinate and support a team of staff, sessional workers, and volunteers.
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Develop strategic partnerships and represent Doorstep in the wider community.
- Monitor outcomes, manage budgets, and produce reports for trustees.
- Promote youth voice and participation across our programmes and beyond.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work or related field
- 3+ years’ experience working with children and young people
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to lead a team
- Experience designing and delivering inclusive play/youth programmes
- Passionate about empowering young people and families
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
Desirable:
- Playwork qualification and/or sports coaching experience
- Knowledge of local support networks (e.g., mental health, housing, education)
- Experience managing partnerships or community engagement projects
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a passionate, close-knit team making real community impact
- Shape and lead innovative programmes that reflect the needs and voices of local children and young people
- Access training and professional development opportunities
- Enjoy a supportive, inclusive, and creative working culture
How to Apply
Please send your CV to Ian Lawlor at Caravel – ian.lawlor@caravelsearch.com
Lead Play & Youth Worker - Doorstep Homesless Families employer: Caravel
Contact Detail:
Caravel Recruiting Team
ian.lawlor@caravelsearch.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Play & Youth Worker - Doorstep Homesless Families
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the specific challenges faced by homeless families in North London will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and how you can make a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the youth work sector. Attend local events or workshops related to youth services, as this can help you build connections and gain insights into best practices that you can bring to Doorstep.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with safeguarding and team management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've ensured safety and led teams effectively in previous roles, as these are crucial aspects of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creativity in programme design. Think about innovative ideas for inclusive play and youth programmes that you could propose during the interview, highlighting your ability to engage young people and meet their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Play & Youth Worker - Doorstep Homesless Families
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in youth work and any qualifications you possess. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific programmes you've designed or led that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and young people. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead inclusive sessions and your commitment to safeguarding.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your 3+ years of experience in youth work. Provide examples of how you've empowered young people and families, and any partnerships you've developed within the community.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your communication, organisational, and leadership skills in your application. Use specific examples to illustrate how these skills have contributed to successful projects or programmes in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravel
✨Show Your Passion for Youth Work
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, as this will resonate with the interviewers at Doorstep.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Play & Youth Work Lead, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in inclusive settings.
✨Highlight Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Discuss any relevant training or experiences that showcase your ability to create a safe environment for children and young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios you might face in the role and how you would approach them, particularly in relation to community engagement and youth participation.
