At a Glance
- Tasks: Support homeless individuals at our Canterbury day centre through practical tasks and one-to-one support.
- Company: Catching Lives is dedicated to helping the homeless in Canterbury, promoting a safe and fulfilling life for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours from Saturday to Wednesday, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience in community settings, teamwork, and handling challenging behaviour is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 30600 £ per year.
Catching Lives is recruiting a full-time Project Worker to join the friendly team at our Canterbury day centre, supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed.
About the Project Worker role
Hours:37.5 hours per week Saturday to Wednesday, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary:£25,522 pa
Reports to: Manager
Location:Catching Lives, Open Centre, Station Road East, Canterbury CT1 2RB
Annual leave:25 days, rising by one day per year up to 30 days, plus bank holidays
Project Workers are responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the centre and drop-in services. The role includes practical tasks (e.g. reception desk, access to services like laundry and bag storage, sorting donations, keeping the space clean and tidy), alongside one-to-one support work with clients. Project Workers are always on shift with at least one other member of staff. They coordinate with colleagues, volunteers and external partners to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in which people get the help that they need to make positive changes and move on in their lives.
The successful candidate will complete an induction with experienced colleagues, as well as core training during their probationary period (there are also ongoing training and development opportunities). Staff attend weekly team meetings and have regular 1-1s with their line manager, and there’s confidential access to an employee assistance scheme.
The job is open to anyone with the experience and skills in the person specification, whether gained through paid or voluntary roles. The post is subject to DBS and reference checks.
Person specification
- Experience of working with people in a public or community setting.
- Experience of working in a team.
- Experience of handling challenging behaviour with confidence.
- Experience of delivering varied tasks within a set timeframe.
- Able to communicate clearly and to remain calm under pressure.
- Able to offer a friendly, non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental ill health, and other challenges.
- Able to maintain professional boundaries (training will also be provided).
- Able to write and speak concisely in plain English.
- Understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equality and inclusion.
About Catching Lives
Catching Lives supports people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury and East Kent. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. Our day centre is a minute’s walk from Canterbury East station. We open every day of the week to provide basic facilities (food, showers, laundry) alongside one-to-one support to help people improve housing, health and social connection. We also run a programme of arts and activities, and host specialist services from partner agencies.
Application deadline: Monday 1st of September 2025
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Project Worker (Sat-Weds) employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Worker (Sat-Weds)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by homeless individuals. Understanding their needs and the services available can help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting this community.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience in community settings, especially if you've worked with vulnerable populations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided support in a team environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining professional boundaries while offering a friendly service. This is crucial in roles like Project Worker, so think about how you would balance empathy with professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Catching Lives and its mission thoroughly. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Worker (Sat-Weds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Project Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have working in community settings or with vulnerable populations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations and work effectively in a team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since clear communication is essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate concisely and effectively. Use plain English and avoid jargon to make your points clear.
Express Commitment to Values: Catching Lives values diversity, equality, and inclusion. In your application, express your understanding of these values and provide examples of how you have demonstrated them in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether through paid work or volunteering, that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and volunteers, be prepared to discuss your experience in team settings. Highlight specific examples where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviour or stressful situations. Think of examples from your past where you remained calm under pressure and effectively resolved conflicts or provided support to someone in need.
✨Understand Diversity and Inclusion
Catching Lives values diversity and inclusion, so it's important to convey your understanding of these principles. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment for all clients, regardless of their background or circumstances.