Shelter jobs

Rural Housing Enabler

Hours: up to 34 hours per week

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended working

Term: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding)

Salary: £31,295 Fulltime (pro rata £28,374.13)

Start date: As soon as possible

About us

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.

About the role

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk. You will engage with communities and provide a range of support, from raising awareness of the need for affordable housing, facilitating initial discussions, gathering of evidence of need and liaising with other stakeholders. You will assist them throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes.

In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:

· Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities

· Experience of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing

· A good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation.

· Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please visit our website for more information on who to contact. 

We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post. 

What we offer

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

· Blended working where role allows

· Flexible working options to support work/life balance

· 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays

· Up to 4% matched pension contribution

· 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk

· Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities

· Company Sick Pay Scheme

· Continued Professional Development for job related development

· Family Friendly policies and practices

· Tailored induction

For more information and an application pack please visit our website.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.

We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.

This role will support the development and delivery of our services and resources for young people born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Working closely with the Engagement & Services team to help us achieve our mission. 

The Youth Engagement Coordinator will sit within the Engagement & Services Team. They will join a friendly and supportive team of seven colleagues who, together, are responsible for the delivery of CLAPA’s adult, family, children and young people and involvement services. The post holder will develop and deliver services for eight- to seventeen-year-olds, which will enable the young cleft community to connect, share experiences and access guidance and emotional support. Shaping what support looks like, creating positive impact and strengthening reach, this new role for CLAPA will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people born with a cleft.

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Help launch a new initiative housing the homeless through the local church

Hope into Action is a national Christian charity enabling local churches to provide homes and support for people experiencing homelessness.

We are launching a new Hope into Action franchise in Milton Keynes, and are looking for a Location Lead to help establish and grow the project from the ground up.

Working with churches, volunteers, and the Hope into Action national team, you will help create homes where people can rebuild their lives within a supportive Christian community.

About the role

As Location Lead, you will provide local leadership and coordination for the Milton Keynes project.

At launch the project will involve one house supporting up to three tenants, working in partnership with our first partner church, New Life Church Milton Keynes.

You will help:

• Build partnerships with churches across Milton Keynes
• Support and encourage church volunteers
• Ensure safeguarding and governance standards are maintained
• Develop relationships with local agencies, supporters, and investors
• Lay the foundations for future houses and growth

You will work closely with Hope into Action UK advisors, who provide established policies, safeguarding frameworks, systems, and ongoing support.

This means you are not building a housing project from scratch - you are helping implement and grow an established national model locally.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is motivated by their Christian faith and compassion for those experiencing homelessness
• Enjoys building relationships and connecting people around a shared vision
• Is organised, proactive, and comfortable coordinating people and systems
• Can work collaboratively with churches, volunteers, and community partners
• Has initiative and enjoys helping something new take shape

Experience in leadership, community work, housing, or charity management would be helpful, but we are equally interested in people with the right values, attitude, and relational skills.

A pioneering opportunity

This is an opportunity to help establish a project that could grow to support many more people across Milton Keynes in the years ahead.

As the project grows and additional houses are opened, hours and responsibilities are expected to increase accordingly.

For the right candidate this role could be combined with the Church & Tenant Empowerment Worker role (total hours to be agreed) which can be found on our website here..

To apply, please send your completed application form by 5pm, Friday 22nd May 2026

Walk alongside people rebuilding their lives

Hope into Action is a national Christian charity that enables local churches to house people experiencing homelessness.

We are launching a new Hope into Action project in Milton Keynes, and are looking for a Church & Tenant Empowerment Worker to support tenants and church volunteers as the project begins.

This role focuses on relationship, encouragement, and practical support as people rebuild stability and independence.

About the role

At launch the project will involve one house with up to three tenants, supported by church volunteers and the Hope into Action network.

As Church & Tenant Empowerment Worker you will:

• Walk alongside tenants as they settle into their new home
• Support them in developing independence and life skills
• Help them access relevant services and appointments
• Encourage positive relationships within the house
• Support church volunteers who build friendships with tenants
• Maintain simple casework records and communication with the team

You will be supported by:

• a Location Lead
• Hope into Action UK systems and advisors
• trained church volunteers
• partner agencies

This means the role focuses primarily on people and relationships, rather than large caseloads or complex housing management.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is motivated by their Christian faith
• Has compassion for people facing difficult life circumstances
• Builds trust easily and listens well
• Is organised and able to maintain clear boundaries
• Enjoys working collaboratively with volunteers and churches

Experience working with vulnerable adults, homelessness services, or community work would be helpful, but the most important qualities are empathy, resilience, and relational skills.

A role that can grow

As the Milton Keynes project grows and additional houses are opened, hours and responsibilities are expected to increase in line with the number of tenants supported.