Play & Youth Work Lead Doorstep Homeless Families Project Deadline: 16 Jan 2026

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin. The hours onsite will be worked over Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with normal working hours falling between 9.30am (the earliest start) and 8pm (the latest finish).

At Doorstep, we open more than just doors — we open possibilities. 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. This is a special role — one that blends leadership, imagination, and empathy. 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.

At Doorstep, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We work with families over years, not weeks — building trust, celebrating progress, and helping each young person discover their strengths. Our unique model of support is widely respected and deeply valued, and this role offers the chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in young lives. 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. No two days are the same. 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. Collaboration is central to this role. 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. This is not just a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to build something lasting. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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. Ensure all activities are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the needs and interests of participants. Encourage children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop positive relationships. Plan and oversee trips, events, and holiday programmes, ensuring safety and inclusivity at all times.
• 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. Respond appropriately to any concerns, working in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary.
• Partnership and Family Engagement: Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging their involvement in children’s play and learning. Work collaboratively with other professionals and partner organisations to enhance support for families. Represent Doorstep at relevant meetings, forums, and networks to share best practice and strengthen partnerships.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration: Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and outcomes in line with organisational requirements. 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.
• General Duties: Uphold Doorstep’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Contribute to the overall running and development of Doorstep as a small, specialist organisation. Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective delivery of Doorstep’s mission.

About You

Experience and Knowledge: 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.

Skills and Abilities: 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. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records. Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team to achieve shared goals. Confidence in managing behaviour in a positive, trauma-informed way. Competent IT skills for administration, reporting, and communication purposes.

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.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it to Ian Lawlor at Caravel – ian.lawlor@caravelsearch.com. Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.