In the words of a former guest of The Shelter MK "This place saved my life".
Are YOU looking for a chance to make a real difference?
The Shelter MK (formerly called The Bus Shelter MK) is a homeless charity making a real difference to people finding themselves with no option but to sleep on the streets of Milton Keynes and in desperate need. We don’t stop at offering shelter, although that is an important first step, we go the extra mile to so that guests’ can walk tall and their homelessness is left in the past. We provide support and expertise in a person-centric way by listening, offering a helping hand and without judgment. Our aim is to give our guests hope and stability when they need it most, allowing them to see a positive future ahead.


Duties and responsibilities


*Ensure the smooth and safe operation of TSMK’s services in line with the charity’s ethos, policies, procedures and direction of the Service Manager.
*Deal with homeless enquiries received, which may involve taking referrals over the phone, advocating on behalf of those making contact or signposting to other services.
*Carry out assessments, inductions and processes involved in leaving the service.
*Develop and agree a support plan with guests to resolve their homelessness. Regularly meet with guests to discuss their support needs and ensure progress is being made to make sustainable change in their lives.
*Attend interviews and meetings with third parties to support guests as required.
*To facilitate educational and therapeutic group programmes for our guests.
*To carry out individual risk assessments with guests, identifying control measures that need to be put in place, and they are in constant review.
*Maintain and monitor electronic and other records and ensure they are accurate and up to date and prepare weekly and ad hoc reports and case studies.
*Assist guests with official processes and applications for such things as Universal Credit, Passport or Driving Licence, Bank Accounts, Housing etc.
*Ensure safeguarding policies are clearly understood and record and report any breaches or concerns to the Service Manager and third parties where appropriate.
*Assist the Service Manager to schedule and oversee maintenance and repair of our facilities.
*Ensure Health & Safety, Fire and Food Hygiene Regulations are fully understood and adhered to.
*Respond to emergencies immediately and ensure where appropriate an incident report is completed.
*Use a range of resources to allow guests the opportunity to give feedback on the service. Taking this feedback to look for opportunities for coproduction with guests on service development.
*To take part in regular reflective practice sessions to support individual and team development.
*Build and maintain positive relationships with external agencies offering support to the guests and the charity as a whole.
*Provide direction, encouragement and oversight of volunteers while on site.
*Advise the Service Manager on the quality of the services provided by contractors and third parties.
*Ensure effective relationships with statutory and third-party organisations.
*Support guests in the process of moving into sustainable accommodation.
*Offer ongoing support to guests once they have moved to their own accommodation in the form of house visits and telephone calls.
*To be actively involved in delivering the out of hours on-call service to guests and volunteers in addressing tasks that require immediate action.


Experience and qualifications


Qualities
*A strong commitment to helping people affected by homelessness.
*A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection.
*Empathy with the traumatic experiences and issues that underpin individual cases of homelessness.
*Highly motivated to succeed in delivering services that make a major beneficial impact on the lives of those in need.
*Resilient, resourceful and a problem-solver.
*A team player who is also able and willing to take personal responsibility.
*A commitment to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices.
*Ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
*Willingness to travel (mainly locally) for the purpose of attending external meetings, training, viewing properties and supporting guests and former guests.
Knowledge and experience
*Experience of working in the housing or homelessness sector.
*Experience of working in a helpline, support or service delivery role.
*Knowledge of the private rented sector and searching for/securing affordable accommodation would be helpful.
*Experience of group facilitation.
*Experience of using trauma-informed practices to provide support.
*Knowledge or a good understanding of legislation, policy and practice regarding homelessness.
*Knowledge of coproduction with stakeholders or those guests within the service.
*Knowledge of the welfare benefits system and how to support guests with money management.
Please note the successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate before appointment.
Benefits
*Employer pension matched up to 5%
*Generous holiday entitle
Company culture
The Shelter MK is a small trustee-led charity based in Milton Keynes formed nine years ago. Across the team, trustees, staff and volunteers, we are passionate about ensuring the individuals experiencing street homelessness who come to us for help are offered care and understanding alongside practical, long term solutions and long term support.
The staff team includes people who have worked for other charities or statutory organisations but who now enjoy knowing that they can really make a difference. Why not join us?