At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun activities for young people and help them engage in meaningful experiences.
- Company: Join the Salvation Army Homes, a charity dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, healthcare support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with some evenings and weekends required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while having fun at work.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth support and good networking skills are essential.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and creative individual to join our supported accommodation service as the activities coordinator. The role is to create meaningful and recreational opportunities for the young people we serve across our 2 sites, in Preston. At SAH we are committed to a person-centred, advantaged thinking and trauma-informed approach to support. Our co-production goals seek to ensure young people’s voices are recognised throughout all aspects of the organisation. The activities coordinator reports to the service manager.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting young people engage in meaningful activities i.e. education, training and employment.
- Creating and delivering on an activities calendar that reflects the needs, expressions and interests of our young people.
- Contributing towards our co-production commitment, ensuring young people’s influence is recognised in all aspects of the organisation.
- Networking with local partners/community groups to establish opportunities for young people.
- Taking a lead role in our partnership with the Foyer Federation.
What you’ll bring:
- A passion for serving young people, ensuring their voices are heard and respected throughout all aspects of supported accommodation.
- An understanding of youth homelessness and/or supported accommodation.
- An ability to contribute to/work towards the goals of a service development plan.
- Self-motivation, listening to and understanding the needs of our young people and creating an activities schedule to reflect this.
- Good networking skills.
- Competent recording skills and knowledge of relevant computer systems.
Working Arrangements:
The role is service-based, across the two sites of Preston Service. The role requires some evening and weekend work, as part of a rolling rota.
Our Offer:
In return, we offer a competitive and supportive benefits package, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days
- Westfield Healthcare Cash Back Plan (including cashback for optical, dental, therapies, plus 24/7 GP access and counselling support)
- Matched pension scheme up to 6% (with salary sacrifice option)
- Enhanced family leave from day one, including enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay
- Occupational sick pay
- Financial support options, including season ticket loans, emergency loans, mortgage advice and wellbeing support
- Paid volunteering days
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted private medical insurance
- Support to learn, broaden your skills and develop your career
- A fun and inclusive work culture where individual differences are valued and championed
Closing date: 26 September 2026 (please note we may close the vacancy early if we receive a large volume of applications)
About The Company:
Founded in 1959, Salvation Army Homes is a registered provider and exempt charity, and a subsidiary of The Salvation Army. We are a specialist provider of housing and support services across England, owning and managing around 4,500 homes in partnership with 79 local authorities. We provide general needs housing, supported accommodation, and homes for older people. If you join our passionate staff team you will be contributing to our mission; “Safe Homes. Transform Lives” where you will make a positive difference to residents, who are at the heart of everything we do.
Guaranteed interview scheme: Please let us know if you have a disability, are a Salvation Army Homes resident or ex-resident, are a care leaver, or ex-veteran as we guarantee an interview if you meet the minimum requirements of the role. As an equal opportunities employer, Salvation Army Homes is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We invite and welcome applications to apply for Salvation Army Homes opportunities without concern of bias or discrimination. If you require any adjustments or support to enable you to participate fully in the selection process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.
Activities Co-ordinator in Preston employer: Salvation Army Homes
At Salvation Army Homes, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters inclusivity and personal growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave, healthcare support, and opportunities for professional development. Located in Preston, our team is passionate about co-production and ensuring that the voices of those we serve are at the forefront of our mission, 'Safe Homes. Transform Lives'.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Co-ordinator in Preston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Salvation Army Homes.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Salvation Army Homes!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Salvation Army Homes, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Salvation Army Homes or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Co-ordinator in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Salvation Army Homes:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salvation Army Homes! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salvation Army Homes
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
