At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness and coordinate a volunteer programme to enhance community impact.
- Company: The Archer Project, dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, ongoing training, and subsidised meals.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team and help create positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable adults and strong communication skills are essential.
The Engagement and Volunteer Support Worker plays a key role in building trusting, person-centred relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantages, helping them to access accommodation, healthcare, benefits, and other specialist support. Through direct one-to-one engagement, the post holder empowers people to identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and make positive progress towards greater stability and wellbeing.
The role also develops and coordinates a structured volunteer programme, recruiting, training, supporting, and supervising volunteers to deliver safe, consistent, trauma-informed support. By combining direct engagement with volunteer-led interventions, the role strengthens the service's capacity, increases early intervention opportunities, and extends the impact of The Archer Project's work.
About the Role
- Deliver one-to-one support to individuals experiencing homelessness and complex needs.
- Build trusting relationships using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
- Support people to access housing, healthcare, benefits, and specialist services through referrals and signposting.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide holistic support.
- Encourage and support attendance at appointments and activities that promote stability and wellbeing.
- Recruit, train, coordinate, and supervise external volunteers.
- Facilitate volunteer reflective practice and ensure high standards of safeguarding and support.
- Maintain accurate records, case notes, outcomes, and volunteer activity.
- Contribute to team meetings, reflective practice, and continuous service improvement.
- Help increase the reach and effectiveness of The Archer Project's engagement services.
About You
- You have experience supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs, ideally within homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, or related services.
- You are skilled at building trusting, professional relationships and supporting people to achieve positive outcomes.
- You understand the challenges associated with homelessness and social exclusion.
- You can work effectively within a multi-agency environment and build positive partnerships.
- You demonstrate compassion, empathy, resilience, and integrity in your work.
- You are organised and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- You have strong communication, IT, and record-keeping skills.
- You are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
- You embrace strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches to support.
- Experience of coordinating or supervising volunteers would be advantageous.
Key Contractual Terms
- Salary of £26,500 – £28,500, depending on experience and qualifications.
- 33 days annual leave (including public holidays).
- Pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Ongoing training and development, including safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, reflective practice, and domestic abuse awareness.
- A supportive, values-driven team environment.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives every day.
- Subsidised meals when based at the main Project site.
- Staff discount for Printed by Us merchandise (30% off).
- Free onsite parking (subject to availability).
- Eligibility for Blue Light Card.
- Appointment subject to 3-month review period, which may be subject to extension.
- Appointment subject to successful undertaking of an Enhanced DBS check.
If you are interested in applying to the Engagement and Volunteer Support Worker vacancy with The Archer Project, we look forward to receiving your expression of interest, via email to recruitment@archerproject.org.uk, and we will send you an application pack. The deadline for all applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 28th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 7th September.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We are therefore advising candidates to apply as soon as possible, should they be interested in joining our team. If you apply but don’t hear back from us by 07.09.2026, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. Due to the high volumes of inquiries and applications that we normally receive to our vacancies, we are unable to provide individual feedback prior to the interview stage.
Please note that The Archer Project and Archer Project Enterprises operate a Monday to Friday office schedule and are closed during bank holidays. Inquiries received outside opening hours will be addressed during opening hours. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
The Archer Project
Sheffield Cathedral
Church Street
Sheffield S1 1HA
Engagement and Volunteer Support Worker with The Archer Project in Sheffield employer: Cathedral Archer Project Limited
At The Archer Project, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. Our supportive, values-driven work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities that empower our staff to excel in their roles. Located in the heart of Sheffield, we provide a collaborative environment where compassionate individuals can thrive while helping others achieve stability and independence.
Contact Details:
Cathedral Archer Project Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement and Volunteer Support Worker with The Archer Project in Sheffield
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Cathedral Archer Project Limited.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Cathedral Archer Project Limited. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement and Volunteer Support Worker with The Archer Project in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Cathedral Archer Project Limited understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathedral Archer Project Limited
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Cathedral Archer Project Limited how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Cathedral Archer Project Limited serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Cathedral Archer Project Limited.
