Borough of culture volunteering coordinator jobs

Night Shelter Manager

Glass Door Homeless Charity

London, Greater London (On-site)

£19.90 per hour

Part-time (Daily shifts - 5pm to 10pm )

Contract (Six months)

How to apply

Job description

Team: Night Shelters 

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

Duration: 1 November 2025 to April 2026

Reporting to: Service Manager – Night Shelters 

Shifts available:  5:00pm to 10:00pm 

Job Purpose

As a Night Shelter Manager, you’ll be the lead staff member for your shift, overseeing the safe and smooth running of one of Glass Door’s seasonal night shelters between November and April. 

You’ll work alongside Overnight Homeless Shelter Workers and volunteers on your shift to make sure the shelter is a welcoming, safe, and respectful place for up to 35 guests. Your role is to set the tone for the night: briefing the team before opening, welcoming and inducting new guests, explaining our shelter guidelines, and ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities. You’ll be the first point of contact for any issues during your shift, whether that’s supporting someone in distress, addressing concerns or responding to challenging behaviour. 

You’ll also ensure shelter procedures are followed, keep accurate records of attendance and incidents, and maintain clear communication with the casework team so they can follow up with guests. Alongside leading operations, you’ll actively work with guests, volunteers, and colleagues to create a friendly and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity. 

This role is ideal for someone who can remain calm under pressure, lead a small team confidently, and is committed to supporting people as they work towards ending their homelessness; all while making sure the night shelter runs smoothly from start to finish. 

Job Description 

As the lead staff member for your shift, you’ll be responsible for the smooth and safe running of the shelter during your working hours. You’ll work closely with Overnight Homeless Shelter Workers and volunteers, setting the tone for the night and making sure everything runs to plan. 

Your main responsibilities will include: 

• Leading the shift – Oversee the running of the shelter during your shift, making sure guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported. 

• Briefing the team – Hold a short briefing before opening to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities for the night. 

• Welcoming guests – Greet guests warmly, induct new arrivals by explaining shelter guidelines and behaviour expectations, and answer any questions they have. 

• Supporting volunteers – Guide and support the volunteer team, working closely with Volunteer Coordinators to make sure their time is well organised and meaningful. 

• Monitoring wellbeing – Keep an eye on guest welfare throughout the shift, offering support when needed. 

• Responding to issues – Manage any situations that arise, from emotional distress to challenging behaviour or medical emergencies, and call emergency services if necessary. Training will be provided. 

• Overseeing safety and security – Take responsibility for the overall safety and security of the shelter during your shift, ensuring guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported at all times. 

• Following procedures – Help make sure the shelter’s policies and procedures are understood and put into practice during the shift. 

• Shift handover – Provide a clear handover at the end of your shift so the overnight team has all the information they need. 

• Shelter van – Drive the van from its parking location to the shelter at the start of the shift, keep it tidy, and carry out basic stock checks before departure, reporting any shortages for restocking. 

• Keeping accurate records – Record attendance, incidents, and observations using our iPad-based In-Form system so colleagues have up-to-date information. 

• Working with the casework team – Share relevant information about guests’ welfare and needs to support follow-up work. 

• Supporting practical needs – Assist the casework team with practical tasks related to guests’ day-to-day needs as requested. 

• Attending meetings and training – Join monthly shelter meetings and other training or team sessions as required. 

• Supervision meetings – Take part in regular supervision meetings with the Service Manager. 

• Pitching in where needed – From time to time, take on other reasonable tasks to help the shelter run smoothly. 

Person Specification

Essential: 

• A valid manual driving licence and be willing to drive the Glass Door van. 

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable groups. 

• A genuine commitment to providing a high standard of service and treating everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity. 

• The ability to lead a small team confidently, including during challenging or fast-changing situations, while keeping a calm and professional approach. 

• Confidence in handling challenging behaviour calmly and respectfully. 

• Strong written and verbal communications skills. 

• The ability to carry out manual handling tasks, such as moving supplies and equipment. 

Desirable: 

• The ability to speak another language, for example Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Polish, Spanish, French, or Russian. 

• A lived experience of homelessness. 

• An understanding of, and commitment to, trauma-informed care. 

• Relevant training such as first aid, fire safety, conflict de-escalation, or Mental Health First Aid. 

Other 

• Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check for adults. 

• You’ll be expected to follow Glass Door’s safeguarding policies and procedures. 

• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work. 

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness. 

Team: Night Shelters 

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

Duration: 1 November 2025 to April 2026

Reporting to: Service Manager – Night Shelters 

Shifts available:  5:00pm to 10:00pm 

Job Purpose

As a Night Shelter Manager, you’ll be the lead staff member for your shift, overseeing the safe and smooth running of one of Glass Door’s seasonal night shelters between November and April. 

You’ll work alongside Overnight Homeless Shelter Workers and volunteers on your shift to make sure the shelter is a welcoming, safe, and respectful place for up to 35 guests. Your role is to set the tone for the night: briefing the team before opening, welcoming and inducting new guests, explaining our shelter guidelines, and ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities. You’ll be the first point of contact for any issues during your shift, whether that’s supporting someone in distress, addressing concerns or responding to challenging behaviour. 

You’ll also ensure shelter procedures are followed, keep accurate records of attendance and incidents, and maintain clear communication with the casework team so they can follow up with guests. Alongside leading operations, you’ll actively work with guests, volunteers, and colleagues to create a friendly and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity. 

This role is ideal for someone who can remain calm under pressure, lead a small team confidently, and is committed to supporting people as they work towards ending their homelessness; all while making sure the night shelter runs smoothly from start to finish. 

Job Description 

As the lead staff member for your shift, you’ll be responsible for the smooth and safe running of the shelter during your working hours. You’ll work closely with Overnight Homeless Shelter Workers and volunteers, setting the tone for the night and making sure everything runs to plan. 

Your main responsibilities will include: 

• Leading the shift – Oversee the running of the shelter during your shift, making sure guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported. 

• Briefing the team – Hold a short briefing before opening to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities for the night. 

• Welcoming guests – Greet guests warmly, induct new arrivals by explaining shelter guidelines and behaviour expectations, and answer any questions they have. 

• Supporting volunteers – Guide and support the volunteer team, working closely with Volunteer Coordinators to make sure their time is well organised and meaningful. 

• Monitoring wellbeing – Keep an eye on guest welfare throughout the shift, offering support when needed. 

• Responding to issues – Manage any situations that arise, from emotional distress to challenging behaviour or medical emergencies, and call emergency services if necessary. Training will be provided. 

• Overseeing safety and security – Take responsibility for the overall safety and security of the shelter during your shift, ensuring guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported at all times. 

• Following procedures – Help make sure the shelter’s policies and procedures are understood and put into practice during the shift. 

• Shift handover – Provide a clear handover at the end of your shift so the overnight team has all the information they need. 

• Shelter van – Drive the van from its parking location to the shelter at the start of the shift, keep it tidy, and carry out basic stock checks before departure, reporting any shortages for restocking. 

• Keeping accurate records – Record attendance, incidents, and observations using our iPad-based In-Form system so colleagues have up-to-date information. 

• Working with the casework team – Share relevant information about guests’ welfare and needs to support follow-up work. 

• Supporting practical needs – Assist the casework team with practical tasks related to guests’ day-to-day needs as requested. 

• Attending meetings and training – Join monthly shelter meetings and other training or team sessions as required. 

• Supervision meetings – Take part in regular supervision meetings with the Service Manager. 

• Pitching in where needed – From time to time, take on other reasonable tasks to help the shelter run smoothly. 

Person Specification

Essential: 

• A valid manual driving licence and be willing to drive the Glass Door van. 

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable groups. 

• A genuine commitment to providing a high standard of service and treating everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity. 

• The ability to lead a small team confidently, including during challenging or fast-changing situations, while keeping a calm and professional approach. 

• Confidence in handling challenging behaviour calmly and respectfully. 

• Strong written and verbal communications skills. 

• The ability to carry out manual handling tasks, such as moving supplies and equipment. 

Desirable: 

• The ability to speak another language, for example Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Polish, Spanish, French, or Russian. 

• A lived experience of homelessness. 

• An understanding of, and commitment to, trauma-informed care. 

• Relevant training such as first aid, fire safety, conflict de-escalation, or Mental Health First Aid. 

Other 

• Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check for adults. 

• You’ll be expected to follow Glass Door’s safeguarding policies and procedures. 

• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work. 

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness. 

Senior Programme Manager (Part-time Contract)

The Role:

This is an exciting 15-month contract opportunity for a Senior Programme Manager with experience in participatory/community arts who is passionate about driving impactful change and fostering intergenerational connections within an evolving, inclusive organisation. You will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless continuity and high-quality delivery of our respected intergenerational and care home arts programme during a period of organisational evolution.

At Magic Me, we believe in the power of diverse talent to drive innovation and create a powerful organisational culture. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from minoritised communities and disabled candidates, as we strive to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Although we welcome applications from everyone, we are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who identify as men as well as those from the Bengali community who are currently underrepresented on our team.

We also welcome local candidates with knowledge of Tower Hamlets and surrounding boroughs.

Role Details:

• Location: Bethnal Green, E2, East London. Hybrid working negotiable (the role requires office working for key delivery activities and supporting programme team colleagues).

• Salary: £44,000 per annum, pro rata (equivalent to £26,640 for 3 days per week)

• Reporting to: Creative Director (Co-CEO)

• Contract Duration: 15 Months (January 2026 - March 2027)

• Working Hours: 3 days per week (21 hours)

Who we're looking for:

You are an experienced programme leader, comfortable taking comprehensive ownership of an artistic programme that includes multiple projects across diverse contexts. Driven by a strong passion for co-creation, you bring significant expertise from senior project management or producer roles within the participatory/community arts sector. You excel at cultivating strong, authentic relationships with community and non-arts organisations, artists, and participants. With a proven track record in socially engaged practice and direct line management, you are adept at navigating changing environments and possess excellent communication skills that build and maintain vital connections. Your dedication to Magic Me’s mission and the transformative power of intergenerational arts is clearly evident.

Key responsibilities and deliverables:

• Programme oversight & leadership: Provide oversight of the full year creative programme, ensuring high quality delivery and the effective integration of individual projects. Collaborate on the design and management of the overall programme budget and manage staff and artist capacity.

• Team leadership & mentorship: Line-manage two Project Managers, fostering a supportive environment and prioritizing their development. Provide direct mentorship to a designated Project Manager as part of Magic Me's internal succession plan for the SPM role.

• Project practice & frameworks: Take responsibility for implementing effective ways of working for the Programme Team. Oversee project evaluation and ensure evaluation practice adheres to the ACE Impact & Insight framework.

• Partnership & artist relationships: Nurture key partner and artist relationships and oversee the Project Managers' portfolios of key relationships. Identify, engage, and establish potential arts and non-arts partners and participants for the 26/27 programme.

You can find full details of the role and its responsibilities in the job pack. 

About Magic Me:

At Magic Me, we envision a world without ageism, where everyone can express their creativity and reach their full potential. Our mission is to inspire change through impactful art, fostering connections between generations. For over three decades, we've pioneered intergenerational arts practices, creating innovative projects in Tower Hamlets and leading the way in creative care home work across London and Essex.

Why now is the perfect time to join:

This is a truly exciting moment to join Magic Me as we are embarking on our next stage of evolution, transitioning to a dynamic Co-CEO model. This Senior Programme Manager role is essential in supporting this transition, particularly by nurturing our programme team and contributing to our internal succession plans. You'll be involved in flagship projects and actively participate in strategic discussions to help shape our new three-year strategy.

The Offer:

• Salary: £44,000 per annum, pro rata (equivalent to £26,6400 for 3 days per week)

• Holiday: 25 days and bank holidays (pro-rata) + days between Christmas & New Year.

• Other benefits: 3% pension contribution, flexible and hybrid working negotiable, and weekly 1:1 wellbeing meetings. We may also offer an additional week of leave during August pending results of a recent trial in 2025.

Application process:

Applications are provisionally open until 9am on Monday 20th October, however, we will close the application form as soon as we have received enough applications. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.

• First-stage interviews will take place online on Monday 10th November.

• Second-stage interviews will take place in person at our Bethnal Green office on Monday 17th November.

• The planned start date is the week beginning 5th January 2026.

To apply, head to the "join our team" page on our website complete your application. Please submit an updated CV, our online form, and an equal opportunities form.