Play worker jobs in Westminster, greater london

About us

For homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness, finding employment and housing opportunities can feel like an uphill battle, even more so if they’re affected by physical, mental health or substance misuse issues. Providence Row works with those affected by homelessness and those vulnerably housed in London, offering an integrated service of crisis support, advice and progression programmes. We ensure that people often excluded from mainstream services gain the support and opportunities they need to create a safe, healthy and sustainable life away from the streets.

The ideal candidate

To be considered for this role you should meet the following criteria:

• Deliver support to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough of Tower Hamlets.
• Agree support plans with service users to move into accommodation and access specialist services that address the underlying causes of their homelessness.
• Make referrals into Tower Hamlets and Pan-London local authority housing options services, in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Work with partner agencies to provide joint support to service users where appropriate.
• Build relationships with housing providers and the private rented sector to expand the portfolio of affordable referral routes into accommodation.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to create positive working relationships with a wide range of people, including external services.
• Contribute to the development of the service, ensuring a solution-focused and strengths-based approach in all areas of work.

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to shopping discounts
• Learning & development opportunities
• Monthly reflective practice

To apply

Please upload your CV with a covering letter detailing how you meet the job specification by 29.05.2026 at 23:30.

Interviews

Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

About our organisation

For over 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

About the service

nia is committed in becoming an Anti-Racist organisation and we are seeking a Development Officer to support us with this work. The Anti-Racism Development Officer will play a key role in the delivery of the Anti-Racism action plan and in embedding Anti-Racist practices across the organisation.

About the role

Part of this role  includes the coordination  with the  nia’s Anti-Racism Working Group to co-produce tangible outcomes; harnessing the expertise of those most impacted by racism and embedding an Anti-Racist framework across the organisation.

We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s approach to prioritising women, upholding and promoting feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice.

Hours:  21hrs per week

Salary:£18,600 - £19,800 (FTE £31,000 - £33,000 dependent on experience and qualification

Location:Currently Hybrid Working (Islington office & home)

Contract Type: Permanent

CVs are not accepted

The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies

At Age UK Kensington & Chelsea, we believe that ageing should be about living well — staying connected, independent, and fulfilled at every stage of life.

Age UK Kensington and Chelsea’s Memory service provides support for people living with mild to moderate dementia, focusing on living well, providing relevant information on diagnosis and engaging in activities such as memory work.

The service is delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, home visits, telephone and email, through Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Groups across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

As well as responding to enquiries and carrying a caseload, the role focusses on continuous improvement of the service by implementing best practices and contributing to the development of more effective procedures to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

We are recruiting part time - 2 days per week - come and join our fantastic team!

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, so please don't wait to apply!

Due to the number of applicants we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.

CARIS Families is a small charity that supports homeless families living in hostel accommodation in Camden and Hackney.We run play and learning activities for children aged 0-16 from within 4 hostels in these boroughs, as well as a school holiday day trip programme and an Essentials Bank to ease family hardship.Our services for children aim to reduce the stress on children and parents of living in overcrowded, insecure accommodation, and to put back some of the vital childhood experiences that homeless accommodation deprives children of. 

We are currently looking for a trainee playworker who is looking to build a career working with children to join our dedicated frontline play team.You do not need to have any formal experience of playwork, but you do need to be passionate about working with children and supporting them to achieve their potential, and to be able to demonstrate this through previous work or volunteering experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate, offering a rare entry-level role which alongside providing plenty of on-the-job training, will also fully sponsor their training towards the Level 2 Diploma in Playwork following successful completion of the probationary period.

Our new Playworker will: 

Role Description 

• Help to deliver our hostel-based Kids Club’s play session for 0-16 year olds during term time in the London Borough of Camden

• Help to deliver our School Holiday programme during school holidays (in Camden, Hackney and the wider London area) 

• Support the running of our term-time Essential Bank programme, providing free household goods to families in hostels 

• Provide a warm and welcoming experience for children & their families attending CARIS Families’ services

• Engage with children in their play and learning experiences, through staff-led activities and supporting child-led play. 

Person Specification 

We are looking for someone at the start of their career (or a career-changer) who is: 

• Experienced in working or volunteering within a play-based setting, with children between the ages of 0-16.

• Enthusiastic about supporting children in their free play and facilitating adult-led activities that stretch and stimulate children in their development 

• Passionate about improving opportunities for disadvantaged children 

• Understanding of the varied needs of children and their families 

• Good communicators, comfortable with working with a wide range of service users and professionals 

• Able to work well as part of a team.

Salary: £14 per hour 

Contract: 12 months initially, with a three month probation period, and the possibility of extension beyond 12 months subject to funding.Training for the Level 2 diploma will commence after successful completion of the probation period.

Hours:12 hours across three days a week in term time (40 weeks a year), Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.Please note on Kids Club days the working day ends at 6pm.One day a week (8 hrs) in school holidays (12 weeks a year), days variable.25 days per year Annual Leave (pro rata) with an additional week off over Christmas. 

Your pay will be equalized out across the 12 months of the year so you receive a consistent salary each month. 

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Recovery Workerto play a pivotal role in our Highbury Grove Recovery House in Highbury

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

 In this role, you will empower clients to build confidence, develop coping skills, and work towards greater independence throughout their time in the service. You will manage a varied caseload, deliver group activities and co‑produced programmes, and support service users to engage effectively with community professionals and local support networks. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help shape peer‑support opportunities, ensure the safety and wellbeing of all service users, and maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational values and procedures. This is a dynamic position that requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to recovery‑focused practice, including active participation in supervision, assessments, and service reviews.

The working hours are 8am-4pm and 2pm-10pm, including bank holidays and weekends.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

We're seeking someone with proven experience supporting individuals with mental health needs, including those with dual‑diagnosis, and a strong understanding of the challenges they face. You'll bring knowledge of mental health legislation, safeguarding, recovery‑focused practice and local wellbeing services, along with the ability to communicate with empathy, dignity and respect. The role requires someone confident working both independently and as part of a team, able to support new staff and volunteers, and comfortable collaborating with statutory and community partners. You'll have experience delivering groups or added‑value initiatives, strong organisational and time‑management skills, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Competence in risk assessment, case management, and maintaining clear written records is essential, as are solid IT skills and the confidence to represent the organisation externally, including presenting to stakeholders.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Ealing.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The role empowers service users to manage their wellbeing, build independence, and achieve personal goals through tailored support and co-produced plans. It involves liaising with external agencies, facilitating group and community-based activities, and promoting social inclusion. The position ensures users understand and engage with the service, while actively monitoring safety and wellbeing. Team collaboration and flexibility are essential to meeting service goals and maintaining high standards of care. 

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will be passionate and dedicated to helping others with good empathy and a willingness to learn this role involves sleeping on site overnight between shifts and has some longer shift schedules with an element of cooking for a group you must capable and open to doing this as well

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Senior Recovery Outreach Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex needs  Service in Notting Hill.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We're looking for a proactive and compassionate Senior to help lead our mental health recovery service. You'll support the Team Leader in delivering person-centred, recovery-focused support that empowers service users to sustain independence and avoid hospital readmission.

With strong leadership and organisational skills, you'll oversee team performance, service quality, and compliance while promoting coproduction and inclusion. This role suits someone passionate about collaboration, wellbeing, and delivering high-quality, empowering support within Hestia's values and standards.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring demonstrable experience supporting individuals with mental health and/or dual diagnosis needs, alongside a strong knowledge of community care, mental health, health and safety, equality, housing, and welfare benefits legislation. You will understand recovery principles and be confident in delivering person-centred support, including assessing, planning, implementing, and reviewing support plans. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, including supporting the induction of peer staff and volunteers, while maintaining high professional standards and resilience.

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential, with the ability to produce clear written communication and manage basic financial processes such as petty cash. You will be flexible in your approach, including working evenings and weekends when required, and will demonstrate a solid understanding of safeguarding, ensuring issues are addressed appropriately at all times.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

About the role:

As a Project Worker within our Westminster Mental Health Accommodation Services or Wandsworth Properties, you’ll play a vital role in helping people find stability, confidence and a way forward. These are roles rooted in relationships - offering consistency, belief and practical support to people navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. You’ll work alongside residents to create a sense of safety and possibility, supporting them to feel more in control of their lives and their choices.

Working within supported accommodation, you’ll support people to build everyday skills, strengthen wellbeing and reconnect with opportunities that matter to them - whether that’s housing, health, learning, work or community life. You’ll hold a small caseload, developing personalised support and safety plans shaped by each person’s goals, strengths and experiences. Collaboration sits at the heart of the role: with residents, colleagues and partner services, all working together to create meaningful and lasting progress.

This role is for someone who believes in people and is ready to show up with curiosity, compassion and purpose. You’ll join a reflective, supportive team that values initiative, learning and shared responsibility. If you want a role where your work has real impact, where relationships matter and where you can help people move beyond survival towards independence and hope, apply now and bring your tenacity, care and ambition with you.

About you:

• You take a person-centred approach to your work, building trust and working alongside people to shape support that reflects their goals and priorities.
• You’re confident managing a small caseload, using assessment and good judgement to understand needs, risks and progress over time.
• You communicate clearly and work well with others, building strong relationships with colleagues and partner services to achieve the best outcomes.
• You understand the importance of safety, boundaries and accountability, and work in line with health and safety requirements, policies and procedures.
• You’re organised, reflective and committed to learning - keeping accurate records, protecting confidentiality and contributing to service improvement.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info: 

Closing date: Sunday 17th May at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May online via Microsoft Teams

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

Are you committed to supporting rough sleepers in finding their way back to stability? As a Reconnection Worker, you will play a vital role in helping individuals temporarily placed in the South-East London sub-region reconnect with their local area and access the services they need to resettle successfully. 

We're growing our amazing team and looking to recruit another fabulous person staff who wants to work alongside people as they reconnect with their pathway out of homelessness.

The Organisation

The 999 Club is a dynamic local charity in Deptford working to end homelessness, one person at a time. If you share our desire to encourage and support people to take personal responsibility for making positive changes in their lives and you want to be part of a service providing opportunities, developing talents and helping to build confidence and self-esteem then come and work with us.

The Reconnection Team

Working alongside the Sub Regional Rough Sleeping Team as part of an evolving pilot scheme the Reconnection Team work with people who are rough sleeping or placed in temporary ‘off the street’ accommodation by Outreach Workers across six London boroughs. Providing information, advocacy and practical, person-centred support they empower clients to take the necessary steps toward resettlement, enabling them to reconnect with their local area and access the services they need to resettle successfully.

The Role

The role involves working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, ensuring the effective delivery of services tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Based at the 999 Club but travelling throughout Southeast London, you’ll work with a dynamic team dedicated to ending homelessness and making a tangible difference in people’s lives

This role is part of a pilot scheme being run by the Southeast London Sub-Regional Rough Sleeping Coordinator and provides the opportunity to work in different settings alongside teams from several other organisations from the third sector as well as voluntary and statutory services.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who like people, who care about doing a good job and want to be part of a dynamic team, providing the best service possible. We want team members with common sense, who are assertive, compassionate, have a sense of humour, a no- nonsense, positive attitude and are looking to make a difference in their community.

Why You Should Apply

This is a really exciting opportunity to join the team as we evolve service delivery, creating clear pathways for people who have different journeys to travel out of homelessness.  If you’re passionate about empowering individuals and have the skills to navigate complex situations with compassion and professionalism, we want to hear from you.

In return we can offer the opportunity to work with a fantastic, inclusive, empowering and respectful team, making a difference to people’s lives.

The post is for an initial period of 12 months working full time, 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. Start and finish times are flexible, 08:00h-18:00h with core hours between 10:00h-16:00h.

Closing Date 18th May 2026

Interview Date Tuesday 02nd June 2026 - interviews will be in person, on site.

About the role:

Join us at Single Homeless Project (SHP) as part of our Lewisham Vulnerable Adults Accommodation Service (LVAAS), delivering accommodation-based support across our properties in Brockley and New Cross. This is hands-on, day-to-day work alongside people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, where no two days are the same. You’ll build real relationships with clients, supporting them to stabilise, develop life skills and move towards greater independence, while navigating the challenges that can come with housing, health and wider support needs.

As a Project Worker, you’ll be at the centre of the service; working closely with colleagues and partner agencies to coordinate support that genuinely moves people forward. Alongside your client work, you’ll play a key role in keeping the service running safely and smoothly, from maintaining a secure, welcoming environment to staying on top of health and fire safety standards across the properties.

At SHP, this role is a starting point for growth. You’ll gain exposure to complex work, build confidence in your practice and be supported to develop your career in a way that works for you. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference every day while growing your skills, you’ll find that here.

About you:

• You build trust quickly and genuinely, working alongside people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage with warmth, consistency and clear boundaries
• You stay calm and practical in busy or challenging moments, able to balance competing demands without losing sight of what matters for clients
• You’re confident working in a property-based service, taking responsibility for creating a safe, well-run environment for both clients and colleagues
• You work well with others, whether that’s your immediate team or external partners, and know how to keep things moving forward
• You’re open to learning, reflective in your approach and motivated to grow your skills in a role that will stretch you

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Applications will be reviewed and suitable applicants invited to interview online via Microsoft Teams as applications are received. We reserve the right to close the advert as soon as a suitable candidate is identified, therefore please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered. 

A second stage interview will be arranged for suitable candidates in service in Lewisham. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

We are recruiting for two Refuge Workers to join our team in Southwark; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Southwark
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We are looking for a Refuge Worker to provide specialist, high-quality support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. Based in Southwark, London, this role involves delivering practical and emotional support to survivors, ensuring their safety, and helping them rebuild their lives. Working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, you will create a safe and welcoming environment in line with Refuge’s values and commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

As a Refuge Worker, you will support women through crisis, providing keywork sessions, safety planning, and advocacy. You will assist with accessing housing, welfare, legal support, and other essential services while maintaining accurate case records. You will also play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the refuge, managing referrals, and working collaboratively with partner agencies. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and resilient individual with strong communication and organisational skills. While experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector is beneficial, we also welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a commitment to supporting survivors. Above all, we value individuals who are dedicated to making a difference, thrive in an inclusive environment, and are committed to their own personal development while supporting others.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while developing valuable frontline support and advocacy experience. Refuge offers ongoing training, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that our staff are valued and supported in their roles. If you are passionate about empowering survivors and want to be part of a dedicated, compassionate organisation, we encourage you to apply.

Closing date: 9.00am on 15 May 2026

Interview date: 22 May 2026

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

About the role:

This is not a role where you sit on the sidelines. This is a role where you show up, stand alongside women, and help create the kind of safety and belief that many have never experienced before.

In our Women’s Respite Service in Camden, you’ll be working with women who have faced abuse, exploitation and homelessness, often after systems have let them down. You’ll be part of a space that feels different. A space where women are listened to, where their experiences are understood, and where they can begin to rebuild a sense of control over their lives.

No two days will look the same. One moment you might be de-escalating a sensitive situation, the next you’re advocating with services, or sitting alongside someone as they begin to make sense of what they’ve been through. You’ll use your understanding of trauma, gender informed practice and the realities of violence against women and girls to shape how support is delivered, making sure every interaction is grounded in safety, dignity and respect.

You’ll hold a small but complex caseload, working intensively with women to build trust, navigate risk and move towards stability and independence. You won’t give up easily. You’ll stay curious, creative and persistent, even when progress feels slow or uncertain.

As a senior in the team, your impact goes further. You’ll lead by example, guiding colleagues through complex situations and helping to embed a way of working that truly recognises what women have experienced and what they need to move forward. You’ll help shape a service that doesn’t just respond to crisis, but creates real, lasting change.

For roles in our women's services we ask for applications from Women only. For occupational requirement reasons (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1). 

About you:

• You have experience supporting women who have faced abuse, exploitation and multiple disadvantage, and you understand how this shapes trust, behaviour and recovery
• You build relationships that feel safe, consistent and real, even when someone has every reason not to trust
• You stay grounded in challenging moments, able to respond calmly, think clearly and make sound decisions when risk is high
• You bring strong judgement and confidence in complex casework, and you’re comfortable guiding others to deliver high quality, consistent support
• You’re persistent, resourceful and proactive, able to advocate, challenge systems and keep moving things forward for the women you support

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 17th May at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th May online via Microsoft Teams

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Dual Diagnosis service in Brent.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are looking for a dedicated team member to empower service users in building independence and engaging confidently with professionals such as mental health teams, social workers, housing providers and employment services. You will play a key role in assessing support needs, advocating for service users, and ensuring smooth transitions between different levels of support. The role involves developing co-produced group activities, peer networks and community-based opportunities, while encouraging meaningful engagement and local support networks. You will also manage referrals, assessments and reviews, monitor wellbeing and safety, and contribute flexibly to the wider team. Strong administration, accurate record-keeping and a commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality are essential.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals with mental health and/or dual diagnosis needs in either paid or voluntary roles. They will be able to learn quickly, gather and process information, make informed decisions, and maintain accurate records within confidentiality guidelines. The role requires the ability to work with individuals who may display challenging behaviour, using a calm, non-judgemental, solution-focused approach to defuse difficult situations and support positive change. Candidates should be optimistic about clients' capacity to change, able to work collaboratively to solve problems, and adaptable to a sometimes chaotic or pressured environment. A clear understanding of safeguarding principles and the ability to address concerns appropriately is essential, alongside a willingness to work unsociable hours, including early, late, and occasional weekend shifts as part of a team rota.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Be a key part of a values‑driven team supporting young people from underserved communities to feel seen, supported and inspired. Plan and deliver engaging youth sessions that build confidence, connection and possibility