Youth worker jobs in Barking and dagenham, greater london
About the role:
Step into a role where your drive, resilience and belief in young people can truly change lives. As a Young Person’s Worker across our accommodation services in Islington and Waltham Forest, you will be right alongside young people at risk of homelessness, helping them move from uncertainty towards stability and independence. This is hands on, purposeful work where every day matters, and where your determination can unlock real opportunity for those who need it most.
In this role, you will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and empowering them to lead their journey forward. You will create and review personalised support and safety plans, support moves into independent accommodation, and help young people take confident steps into education, training or employment. Working within a trauma informed and strengths based approach, you will champion each young person’s goals while developing practical life skills such as budgeting, self care and cooking. You will also support access to essential services including mental health support, housing advice and employment pathways, motivating and coaching young people to take ownership of their futures.
At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you will be part of a tenacious, values driven team that does not shy away from challenge and believes in doing things differently to achieve lasting change. We will support your ambition with ongoing training, development and the chance to grow your career while making a genuine impact. If you are ready to bring your energy, compassion and persistence to a role that truly matters, we would love to hear from you.
About you:
- You bring experience working with young people in the community and in accommodation services.
- Your toolkit includes practical skills in motivation and coaching young people
- Your approach is creative, analytical, trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths and recovery model.
- You can creatively inspire opportunities for our young people to thrive and to develop to their highest potential.
- A non-judgmental approach to working with complex needs young people and to promote a strengths-based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Strong team-working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a collaborative approach to supporting young people achieve the outcomes and goals we support them to set for themselves.
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:
Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and progressing those suitable to interview at our Head Office in Kings Cross on an adhoc basis. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert once suitable candidates are identified.
Please note there will be a second round of interviews in service for progressed candidates.
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.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Preventing homelessness, transforming lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Are you passionate about supporting young asylum-seekers and refugees to make change happen? Do you understand campaigning and how to achieve change in the British political system? You could be our new Campaigning Youthworker!
About Young Roots
At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.
About the role
The Campaigning Youth Worker (CPW) will work with young people who are seeking asylum or who are refugees in London to support them to seek change to laws and policies on the issues that matter to them. This role will be located in Croydon and King’s Cross, with regular attendance at our service delivery venues across London as required, including one evening activity per week.
The role will involve building relationships with young people who attend Young Roots activities and through outreach, having ongoing conversations about the issues that young people say matter to them, working with young people to understand how change to laws and policies happens and supporting young people to take campaigning action to achieve that change.
Please see the job description and person specification for full details.
Young Roots and recruitment
Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification.
If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which supporting people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience.
Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.
Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.
All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references and other checks.
To apply
To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role.
Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions:
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What is your motivation for working with Young Roots?
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What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically?
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What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. Your skills and experience could be gained through work, community involvement, or personal and family experiences.
Please submit your application via Charity Jobs.
No agencies, please.
Closing date: 10am on Monday 5 January 2026
Interview date: 19 or 20 January (you will be able to indicate a preference if you are shortlisted). Successful applicants will then have a second interview round - a young person panel on the evening of Thursday 22 January at our Brent project.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We're Hiring: Play & Youth Work Lead | Doorstep Homeless Families Project
Location: North London
Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum.
Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin
Benefits:
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% of gross salary
- 30 days paid holiday
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).
Job Introduction
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.
About the Role
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 apply with your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it.
Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.
Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.
Please send your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it.
Thank you!
About the Roundhouse
Roundhouse is an iconic music and arts venue in Camden. Since the 1960’s we’ve opened up space for creativity to empower people and communities - day in, night out. We are on a mission to raise the creative potential of the UK so we give young people and artists the space to experiment, develop skills and be part of the incredible moments that go down in history.
The Role
We are looking for a Youth Worker to join our Youth Work team, working both on the Roundhouse Studios front desk as well as on our youth focused projects. The role will work across our 7 day provision, with the expectation of regular evening and weekend work, to provide the highest standards of service and support to young people using the Roundhouse Studios. This will include administrative and front facing duties. You will be responsible for supporting and encouraging a diverse range of young people (in particular those with multiple and complex needs) aged 11-25 to engage in opportunities at the Roundhouse and assist with pastoral support.
About You
We are looking for a candidate with experience of working alongside young people aged 11-25 years old in informal educational or youth work settings. Candidates should have knowledge and experience of safeguarding young people and be confident in speaking to young people effectively. Alongside this, we require someone that has experience in public facing/front desk roles with strong organisational and communication skills.
We welcome applications from people who feel they can bring their own skills, experiences and ideas to the table and empower those around them to do the same. We encourage those currently underrepresented across the cultural sector and all intersections of our diverse society to apply.
The successful candidate must have a current and acceptable DBS check, or be willing to undertake one, due to the nature of the role.
For more information please download the full job description from our website and if you would like to apply, and feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please click “Apply Now” to complete your application by midnight 05th January 2026.
Deadline: 05th January 2026
Contract: Permanent, Part-Time
Hours: 28 hours per week (excluding breaks)
Salary: £24,417.54 gross per annum. (Pro rata of £30,521.92 per annum)
Interviews: W/c 19th January 2026
Benefits:
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25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays pro rata, increasing after 2 years service up to 30 days
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Ability to buy up to 3 days annual leave
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Pension scheme
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Cycle to Work, Tech and Home Scheme
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Season Ticket Loan
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
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Health Cash Plan
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Group Life Assurance
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Staff discount at our bar and café
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Complimentary staff tickets
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Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave
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Staff networks, forms and social groups
All personal data submitted to the Roundhouse in the form of personal details forms is used for recruitment purposes and equal opportunities reporting only. By submitting a personal details form, you consent to the Roundhouse retaining your personal data for these purposes. Personal details forms contain your name, address and details relating to your gender, religion and nationality. All forms are anonymised before use. In accordance with GDPR all information submitted by unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within six months.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.