Overnight Project Worker

* please note we are looking for a number of OPW's and are looking to hire with immediate effect.

Operations

On-site at Glass Door Night shelter venues in the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham or Wandsworth

20 October 2024 to late April 2025 

Shifts from 6:45pm or 9:45pm to 7.15am (plus additional time if allocated driver). Hours and days of work will vary according to the needs of the service.

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

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

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.

Please note:

Some of our Overnight Project Workers are required to have a driving licence and be able to drive a manual vehicle.

However, this post also is still suitable for those that want a non-driving role.

On each shift, one of the two Overnight Project Workers will be an allocated driver and is expected to drive the van back to its local base in Fulham or Wandsworth, depending on the shelter circuit. The allocated driver for the shift will receive an additional hour of pay for this task.

What you will do as part of our team

The Overnight Project Worker is responsible for the following:

Job spec

• Maintaining a friendly, supportive environment and cultivating positive relationships with guests, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Following best practice procedures for the security and safety of the guests and volunteers.
• Diffusing difficult or dangerous situations and summon assistance when necessary. Training will be provided. Writing regular shift reports using the In-Form client relationship platform.
• Carrying out regular checks around the shelter, checking conditions of all areas.
• Ensuring that the van is loaded correctly with shelter provisions and that no Glass Door belongings are left on site.
• 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 the Night Shelter Manager, Caseworkers, and the Operations Manager.
• Ensuring cleaning protocols are followed and implemented.
• Undertaking any other duties to aid the good running of the project, as required by the Shelter Manager or Operations Manager.
• Accurately reporting observations, interactions, concerns and actions with guests to their caseworker using written reports.
• Setting up and help serve a simple breakfast for guests in the morning
• Ensuring all guests are woken from 6am onwards and leave the building by 7am
• Flexibility is required, as you will be working a shift rota that includes weekends and public holidays.

On occasions you will also be expected to attend training, team meetings and other activities as required. The allocated driver is expected to drive the van back to its allocated base at the end of the shift to which an additional hour of pay applies for this task.

Person Spec

Essential

•  Commitment to providing an excellent service and to interact with shelter guests in a positive and respectful manner.
•  Ability to work as part of a team and be a supportive team member.  Confidence in dealing with challenging behaviour.
•  Good written and verbal communications skills.  Ability to carry out manual handling tasks.
•  Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities.
•  Driver shifts only: Valid driver’s license and willingness to driver the shelter van

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).