Project worker

Job Summary

Ben's Centre For Vulnerable People (Sheffield) is an organisation that works with people who have substance misuse issues. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Project Worker,
Retiring team member
, to support our clients in a role that is both challenging and rewarding.

This is the best 'towards twilight of my career' job ever...because every day is different.

You need to be comfortable being you…so you can be both comfortable and uncomfortable, engaging effectively and respectfully with individuals often at their most stressed and vulnerable.

You need to be able to hold the line, know your role and its limitations, be flexible and resilient, know your own mind and be at ease to support those who may have lost theirs. You will learn to read the room, anticipate and de‑escalate risks, assert boundaries, laugh when appropriate, listen, multitask and know when to sit and 'just be' with our clients.

Play pool or connect 4, colour and draw at the table or implement a sanction when someone's behaviour crosses a Ben's ground rule. Seek support from colleagues and manager, develop your strengths, skills and passion to flourish as a team member.

It is both a privilege and a challenge to sit alongside individuals and support them to make incremental, harm‑reducing changes or work with them on life‑changing goals. Occasionally you may call paramedics in an emergency overdose situation or reason with someone after a disagreement; more often you enable clients to use the computer or phone to contact support agencies while modelling strategies to stay calm.

On any day you may discuss recent footy results, then listen to sensitive disclosures of trauma and loss. Working at Ben's is about listening, being genuine, having humility and respect, being curious and interested with care and concern, not detachment or collusion.

Being accepting of people’s choices—good or reckless—is a skill we grapple with daily. Our community, despite hidden histories, can make the most of their 4 hours a day, 5 days a week in the centre, socialising, following rules and capitalising on nutrition, social and recreational opportunities.

Clients are encouraged to value themselves and their strengths. We can't solve every problem, but we strive to offer a thriving day centre and sanctuary for those involved in substance use and vulnerability.

• It's not the best paid job.
• and in a small team there is nowhere to hide!
• if you re not sociable, compassionate or interested in people no matter who they are or how harmful their behaviours may be to themselves or others, this is not the job for you at this point
• care for and welfare of our staff team and understanding of the dynamics and stresses associated with this job, through wellbeing policies, flexible working outside of core tasks is a major plus in the current climate
• westfield/ trade union recognition
• there is access to training, mandatory and relevant issues based online
• Company pension
• Health and well-being program
• On-site parking
• Daily meals
• Sick pay
• Holiday pay

Sheffield

Part Time

26 - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 15:30

20-02-2026

Email  with a cover letter and CV and any information you think would be relevant to your application.