Women's Shelter Evening Project Worker

Our Emergency Winter Night Shelter Service is run seven nights a week in venues across west London including: Fulham, Kensington, Hammersmith and Richmond.

In response to the increased needs, we are opening a women only shelter which will be staffed by women. With additional staff support, we will be providing a safe environment with additional support to guests who may have complex needs.

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

About you

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.

Job spec

The Evening Project Worker is responsible for the following:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Person spec

Essential

• Commitment to providing an excellent service and to interact with shelter guests in a positive and respectful manner.
•  An understanding of and empathy towards the challenges women may experience.  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.

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).