Night Shelter Manager

We are looking to recruit exceptional individuals with an open, collaborative style and a practical, can-do approach to provide a nightly service vital for our guests.

While experience of working within the homelessness sector or with similarly vulnerable people would be desirable, an understanding of the needs of people experiencing homelessness and working in a compassionate and flexible manner is more important and essential.

Flexibility is required, as you will be working a shift rota that will include weekends and public holidays. Due to the vulnerable group you will be working with, you will be asked to undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of our safeguarding measures prior to appointment.

We value diversity and welcome all, in particular those with life experience and lived experience.

What you will do as part of our team

Job spec

The Night Shelter Manager is responsible for the following:

• The day-to-day operation and management of nights shelters in West and Southwest London. Maintaining a friendly, supportive environment and cultivating positive relationships with guests, colleagues and volunteers.
• Welcoming and inducting new guests into the shelter by explaining the shelter policies.
• Supporting volunteer teams at each venue to ensure the smooth running of the project and developing good communication with the Volunteer Co-ordinators.
• Diffusing difficult or dangerous situations and summon assistance when necessary. Training will be provided.
• Ensuring cleaning protocols are implemented by all staff, guests and volunteers.
• Maintaining guest attendance records and shift reports on our iPad-based In-From client relationship platform.
• Following best practice procedures for the security and safety of the guests and volunteers.
• Monitoring guest welfare throughout the shift and responding to any situations or emergencies that arise. Adhering to Glass Door’s operational and health & safety policies in all aspects of your work.
• Maintaining clear lines of communication with your colleagues including Overnight Project Workers, Caseworkers and Operations Manager.
• Conducting a nightly briefing for volunteers and staff before the shelter opens to guests.
• Undertaking any other duties to aid the good running of the project, as required by the Operations Manager. Attending regular meetings with caseworkers to share any relevant information including guest welfare, interactions and other important information.
• Attending 1 to 1 sessions with the Operations Manager on a fortnightly basis.
• Attending the monthly winter services meetings held on Wednesday afternoons
• Accurately reporting observations, interactions, concerns and actions with guests to their caseworker using written reports.
• Ensuring the shelter van is kept well organised and stocks are well maintained.
• Supporting casework team with practical tasks related to guests’ day-to-day activities as requested.
• Flexibility is required, as you will be working a shift rota that includes weekends and public holidays
• You will also be expected to attend other training sessions, team meetings and other activities as required.

Person Spec

Essential

•  Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive the shelter van.
•  Commitment to providing an excellent service and to interact with shelter guests in a positive and respectful manner.
•  An understanding of the needs of people experiencing homelessness and working in a compassionate and flexible manner.
•  Ability to work as part of a team and be a supportive team member.  Confidence in dealing with challenging behaviour.
•  Excellent written and verbal communications skills.  Ability to carry out manual handling tasks.
•  Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities.

Desirable

• Experience working within the homelessness sector or with similarly vulnerable people.
• Ability to speak additional languages including but not limited to Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Spanish, French, Bulgarian, Russian or Tigrinya.
• Lived experience of homelessness.
• An understanding and value of trauma informed care.
• Relevant training certificates (First aid, health & safety, fire Safety, conflict de-escalation).