28/10/2026
A WARM WELCOME
Helping Maidstone’s homeless community through the coldest months
Could you make a real difference to someone’s life this winter?
Would you like to work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues and volunteers to support Maidstone’s most vulnerable people?
Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter is recruiting an Early Morning Project Worker to join our inspiring team for the 2026–2027 winter season.
This is a rewarding opportunity to be at the heart of a community-led project providing warmth, hospitality, overnight shelter and practical support to people experiencing homelessness.
The role
Overnight Project Workers
Salary: £26,227 per annum (pro rata) basic rate,
plus £25 per night enhancement payment.
Hours: Two temporary positions available 30 or 40 hours per week.
Contract: Fixed term, from Tuesday 8 December 2026 until Friday 2nd April 2027.
Working hours and shifts
8 December 2026 – 3 January 2027: 10 hours per week.
4 January – 30 March 2027: Overnight shifts between 10 pm and 8 am, 3/4 days a week on a rota system.
31 March – 2 April 2027: 10 hours per week.
About Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter
Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter is a coalition of churches and volunteers from across the Maidstone community, working alongside local agencies to provide afternoon and evening hospitality and overnight shelter during the coldest months of the year.
Our aim is to offer more than just a safe, warm place to stay. We provide hot meals, a welcoming environment and practical support for people experiencing homelessness, those living in temporary accommodation and others who are genuinely in need.
We also work alongside our guests as equals, helping them access appropriate services, find long-term accommodation and move towards greater independence, while reducing the risk of future homelessness.
About the role
Working closely with our Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, fellow Project Workers and volunteer teams, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the shelter and provide a welcoming, supportive environment for our guests.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting the aims and objectives of Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter.
Working flexibly and collaboratively with the Project team to help ensure appropriate staff cover while the shelter is open.
Working alongside volunteers to clear shelter venues.
Dealing with guests and providing appropriate, compassionate and practical support.
Helping guests access relevant services and explore options for longer-term accommodation.
Contributing to a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment for everyone using the service.
About you
We are looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
You will be able to work independently, use your initiative and make responsible, well-judged decisions. You will also be a flexible and supportive team member who values collaboration and treats everyone with honesty, dignity and respect.
Ideally, you will have:
A non-judgmental and sensitive approach to people from a range of backgrounds.
A basic understanding of homelessness, vulnerability and the challenges people may face.
Knowledge of services and support available to people experiencing homelessness.
The ability to work flexibly and contribute positively to a team of staff and volunteers.
Above all, you will share our commitment to offering a warm welcome, practical support and a helping hand to people who need it most.
Interested in joining us?
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Claire Kehily on 07308 150048.
How to apply
To request an application pack, please email [email protected].
Completed application forms should be returned to the same email address.
Alternatively, paper copies of completed application forms can be sent to:
Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter
6 Buckland Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME16 0SL
Application deadline: Midnight on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Interview date: Friday 13 November 2026.
Please note: CVs are not accepted. No agency contact, please.
Join us in offering warmth, dignity and hope to people experiencing homelessness in Maidstone this winter.
Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter is committed to promoting equality in the workplace.
