Finance Manager Jobs in Greater London

Salary: £46,920 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum

Hours: Full time (but open to proposals including part time, job shares etc)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits:

· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;

· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;

· Attractive family friendly policies;

· Private healthcare cover;

· Season ticket loans;

· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

Location:  London/Bristol - employees are able to work from home on an arrangement agreed with their line manager and we have colleagues based around the UK.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Policy Leader (Finance Policy).

The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people.

This role is a crucial and exciting one within our policy team and the wider organisation. You will use your knowledge and understanding of housing associations and their finances to build strong relationships with Finance Directors across our membership, and use their and your specialist knowledge to shape the financial environment so that housing associations can best deliver on their social purpose.

Whether this is making a persuasive and evidence-based case to the government for additional grant funding to build new homes, or working with sector experts on the detail of accounting, pensions, tax or treasury policy, or meeting with banks, lenders, ratings agencies, UK Finance, HMRC, and the Treasury on behalf of our members, this role is central to our work influencing national social housing policy.

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the full job profile and person specification for this role.

Key elements of the role:

· Shape and lead our policy work on key strategic issues for housing associations around housing finance – advocating for solutions and mitigating risks that affect the delivery of housing associations’ social purpose;

· Develop evidence and ideas on technical policy areas into salient policy solutions that will make a difference for the sector and influence government;

· Represent the NHF to senior colleagues in government, members and external stakeholders with credibility, expertise and political judgement;

· Communicate with and provide advice to members on critical changes to policy and the external environment.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

· A strong and in-depth understanding of housing association finances and the operating model of housing associations (finance qualifications are not required, but a technical understanding of finance and accounting issues will be vital);

· An ability to lead the development of credible, robust, evidence based policy, including on complex and technical policy areas;

· An ability to communicate credibly, clearly and persuasively in writing and in person including to Chief Executives, senior government officials and finance professionals;

· An ability to draft, oversee, adapt and deliver complex plans for the delivery of multiple projects or programmes of work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.  

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBT+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident committed employer

We are a disability confident committed employer and if you are a disabled person who demonstrates you meet the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact Stephanie Green, People Manager with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.

Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Uploading your CV and cover letter

If you decide to apply for this role, when requested, please upload a version of your CV that does not include any personal details, such as name, gender, age etc.  You should also ensure that you do not add your name at the end of the cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK / UK VISA Sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024

Interview date: 16 May 2024 

Salary: £50,935.07 per annum

Location: Homeworking with expectation to travel to our London Office as required

Contract: Permanent

Hours : 37.5 per week

Closing date: Thursday 2nd May at 11:30pm

Are you a qualified CCAB, CIMA or overseas equivalent, or in the final stages of qualification?  Do you have proven experience of assessing financial risk and producing insightful financial analysis, plus a real desire to further develop? Then join Shelter as a Finance Business Partner and you could soon be playing a key role within our Financial Planning and Analysis team.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the team

Our Finance Department works as a team of experts to safeguard resources and support decision making across Shelter. We strive to ensure Shelter is financially sustainable in order to achieve our vision of a home for everyone. This particular role sits within the Financial Planning and Analysis team. We support the charity through financial reporting, analysis, and expert advice, and enable collaboration to support managers in making effective business decisions.

About the role

Joining a finance team that collaborates and communicates effectively to help us deliver our mission and vision, making vital business decisions that are driven by expert knowledge and financial acumen will be key to your success here. As part of the role, you’ll engage regularly with our Assistant Directors and their leadership teams to ensure that financial results and key messages are shared and you’ll support stakeholders in engaging with fully available financial insight and reporting.  When it comes to our stakeholders, you’ll support and lead finance education and training to equip them with the skills required to execute their own financial responsibilities.

Among your many challenges will be the need to align financial plans to operational and strategic plans and make sure they’re clearly understood by Business Units. Seeing that each Unit is provided with a channel of effective, two-way communication with Finance will be important too. You’ll also work with colleagues in Project Governance and HR Business Partnering to support Directorate planning and business cases, as well as supporting and leading on the delivery of cross-team projects.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About you

As well as being suitably qualified (or in the final stages of qualification), you’ll need to be used to working effectively with non-finance stakeholders and varying your communication style to suit the audience you’re addressing. You’ll be experienced in assessing financial risk, and able to produce insightful financial analysis. You’ll also need excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise tasks when necessary.

Excellent analytical skills, impeccable attention to detail, a high level of numeracy and intermediate Excel skills are all ‘must haves’ too, as is proficiency in the main Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Word. Additionally, it would be an advantage if you have experience working in a Charity and have associated experience of managing restricted funds and fundraising.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should address and cover the ‘About You’ points in the job description. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below throughout your responses.

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
• We work together to achieve our shared purpose

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Prospectus is proud to be supporting The Mercers' Company, a livery company, focused on being a philanthropic force for good, with a rich history dating back over 700 years. With one of their main focuses being Older People and Housing, they are now searching for an Assistant Housing Manager, to join their London based team, initially on a 15-month maternity cover, fixed term contract.

As an Assistant Housing Manager you will work closely with the Housing Manager to support the delivery of operational efficiency across the Company's six residential sites and services for 206 residents, including leasehold. You will provide excellent customer service to residents and work to ensure that each site is safe, secure and compliant with regulatory requirements. As well as, supporting the development and implementation of new systems and processes, providing guidance on Housing policies and procedures and working closely with the finance team to manage rental income and invoice payment. You will also deputise in the absence of the Housing Manager.

Individuals with a background in property management and knowledge of housing benefits are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in IT and database management is essential, alongside exceptional customer service skills and administration skills.

Please note, this is a full-time role, 32.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday and you will be required to work on-site at their offices, based in Bank. Occasional visits to the schemes and national travel, may be required. Work from home days will be considered, depending on service need.

Please note, if successful you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

To apply please submit your CV, cover letters are not required at this stage. Following your application, you may be contacted by Prospectus for an informal discussion and may be asked to provide further information to assist with the recruitment process. 

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invests in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Assistant Housing Manager (London based with travel across our sites nationally)

Circa £39k plus generous benefits package

Fixed term Contract - 15 months

The Mercers’ Company is a livery company focused on being a philanthropic force for good. We have a rich history dating back over 700 years with philanthropy as the common thread between our past, present and future.

The Company is looking to recruit an experienced Assistant Housing Manager to join the Housing team on a Fixed Term Contract for 15 months.

The Assistant Housing Manager reports to the Housing Manager to support the delivery of operational efficiency across the Company's six residential sites and services for 206 residents, including leasehold.  The role will provide excellent customer service to our residents and work to ensure that each site is safe, secure and compliant with regulatory requirements.  The AHM will support the development and implementation of new systems and processes and provide guidance on Housing policies and procedures.  This role will work closely with the finance team to manage rental income and invoice payment.

The role holder will deputise in the absence of the Housing Manager.

The successful candidate will excel in communication and organisation, displaying a high level of professionalism while effectively building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders. A strong team player, who enjoys and varied role and possess the ability to use their initiative. Proficiency in IT and database management is essential, alongside exceptional customer service skills.

While experience in property management and knowledge of housing benefits are preferred, they are not essential. An enhanced DBS check is required.

This is an exciting opportunity to work for an ancient but ambitious city organisation, investing in opportunities to create positive change and make a real difference to people’s lives. 

The benefits of working with the Mercers’ Company include: non-contributory pension scheme, private medical insurance, 30 days’ annual leave, plus the ability to purchase additional annual leave, travel season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, 3 days volunteering days per year and excellent learning and development opportunities.

To apply please email a CV and a covering letter outlining why you are suitable for the role close of business on Monday 15 April 2024.

We're looking for a temporary Revenue & Income Officer to join Your Place and be part of our dedicated team to help us with our mission to solve homelessness in east London, one person at a time!

About the role
Based within the Resident Services team, the Revenue Officer will play a critical role to help deliver an effective and high performing rent collection and recovery service in accordance with legislation, the organisation’s policies, set performance targets and customer satisfaction requirements.

In collaboration with the RSM and RI Team Leader and Finance Team to ensure that Your Place are compliant with all regulations and using robust policy and procedures. Support with the set up of the new Pyramid system and ensuring the right systems are in place to effectively manage the Revenue and Income stream and arrears of the organisation.

Maximising the organisation’s Revenue and Income by liaising with both internal and external partners including the Resident Services, Keyworkers, HB, DWP and directly with residents., and effectively managing the arrears.

This role will also manage the impact of welfare reform provisions, ensuring an effective advice and support service to residents to manage risk on revenue and income levels.

Contract: Temporary Contract (until September 2024)
Hours: Monday - Friday 37.5 hours 
Location: Canning Town, London

Other responsibilities include

• Investigating and support clients with Housing Benefit Appeals
• To support our project to transfer all accounts from Inform to Pyramid
• Investigate and support to manage Overpayment Claims from Housing Benefit
• Ensure rent accounts are up to date and correct. Checking HB entitlements against PC rates and requesting adjustments accordingly.
• Chasing ex resident arrears
• To manage resident rent and accommodation charge accounts and other former resident debts, on a regular basis identifying trends and patterns on individual accounts and then liaise with Support Workers or residents to rectify income issues and address arrears in line with policies and procedures
• To contribute towards the continuous improvement of performance in line with the organisation’s service plan targets
• To work collaboratively and closely with the Finance officer and Revenue and Income Team Leader to ensure all rent accounts tally.

About you

• Demonstrable experience of working in a supported housing environment in a similar or related role for at least 5 years
• GSCE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Experience of working with software applications including Microsoft office and bespoke IT Systems.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and priorities workloads.
• Able to take ownership and deliver excellent customer service in a professional and confident manner
• Demonstrate a positive, flexible approach to team working.
• Ability to communicate with residents and colleagues effectively.
• Ability to provide customer focused and responsive services.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the service
• Patient and pro-active
• Commitment to the Your Place values including diversity and inclusion
• Housing or a related qualification - desirable but not essential

About applying

When applying don't forget to answer the questions in our application process to tell us more about how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience to be successful in this role.

At Your Place, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better resident outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of peoples age, disability, sex, gender, identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK.

As the Chief Operating Officer at Quo Vadis Trust, you will play a pivotal role in leading the organisation through a transformative phase of growth and change.

Reporting directly to the CEO and spearheading the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for enhancing QVT's operating model across key functions, including Finance, People and Culture, Operations, Supported Accommodation and Care services.

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri, 7.5 hours per day). May be required to work occasional evenings and public holidays.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: In range of £58,000 per annum

Location: London, E8 4DG

Our client, Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA), is a housing association with charitable aims that create positive change in people’s lives. As well as homes and support, they empower people to learn, access work and discover their creative talents. Based mainly in Hackney, Islington, and Newham, they work with people who are homeless, have mental ill health, learning difficulties and multiple needs. PBHA work enables people to move on and lead independent lives.

PBHA are committed to an asset based and psychologically informed approach to their work. Mutual support, participation and personal development for both staff and service users are key to this.

The role:

Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Property and Development will oversee the provision of high-quality asset management and repair services in-line with PBHA values and strategic objectives. Working closely with the Director of Services, the successful candidate will aid in the identification, management and acquisition of opportunities that will enable PBHA’s strategic growth. The role will help to ensure that PBHA’s work, and homes, meet building standards, health and safety obligations, regulatory framework, and will always provide a high-quality service to PBHA tenants.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Spearhead line-management of PBHA’s Property and Development Team through performance management and handling employee relations issues if necessary.
• Organise and coordinate work programmes. 
• Lead Housing Development programmes ensuring compliance with building standards, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, induction and onboarding of team members.  
• Participate in on-call rota and respond appropriately to out of hours incidents.
• Provide strategic and operational direction to enhance the long-term management and investment objectives of the property portfolio.
• Ensure PBHA’s assets are surveyed and data records are established and upheld to monitor property condition.
• Oversee and manage stock improvement and maintenance programmes, ensuring that they meet service standards and agreed budgets.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, present to Board and Services Committee, offering recommendations in accordance with the Asset Management Strategy.
• Develop high quality policies, procedures and systems relating to Property and Development Service.
• Advise tenants and other PBHA teams on strategy and future policy implementation.
• Propose appropriate partnership development opportunities to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, collating information for monthly, quarterly and annual performance metrics.
• Respond proactively to complaints regarding services, staff and contractors.
• Develop and implement new procedures in response to legislation changes and emerging best practice.
• Aid team in creating and maintaining good working relations with landlords, contractors and professional consultants.

Person specification:

• Experience delivering and improving Repairs and Maintenance Service, preferably for a Registered Provider or Charity.
• Substantial project or change management experience.
• Experience developing specifications for property related tenders and managing contracts.
• Revenue and Capital Budgets experience.
• Staff management experience.
• Building related qualification and professional body membership, e.g. RCIS/MCIOB, degree or HND in building management.
• Knowledge of project management, e.g. PRINCE 2/APM Techniques.
• Experience of housing development issues, funding, approaches and financing.
• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Prioritisation and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong IT and data management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Communication skills, specifically with stakeholders. 
• Committed to innovation and creating customer value. 

Peter Bedford Housing Association offers in return:

• Excellent support
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Access to an extensive range of training
• A psychologically informed environment
• 26 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, rising up to 30 days with service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Agile working.

To apply, please register your interest and we will send you an application form to complete. Using an application form supports equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Peter Bedford Housing Association is an Equal Opportunities employer who support an inclusive culture and diversity for their staff and those they represent. They are committed to encouraging further growth from diverse groups, and welcome applications from people of all abilities and under-represented groups. Currently, PBHA have an underrepresentation from men and disabled communities. As such, they particularly welcome applicants from these groups.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.

We are looking to recruit a Supported Accommodation Administrator to provide a welcoming environment and lead on the administration of systems that enables the Supported Accommodation services to operate effectively including: housing management, referrals, financial management and health and safety. This is an exciting role in our Supported Accommodation team that will be the first point of contact for the hostel and input information on the client database in order to ensure that all staff have timely and accurate information about residents. You will also assist the Registered Manager in recording and reviewing documentation in relation to the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and our registration and regulation under OFSTED. In addition to this, you will process voids (vacant rooms) in line with housing management procedures, ensuring that rooms are cleared and liaising with the Facilities Manager to ensure that rooms are habitable as soon as possible.

Please refer to the job description for further information.

In your application form, please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.

Please note that the hours for this role are 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Centre requires job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration and undertake a DBS check. 

Post Title Progression Worker 

Responsible to Director of Services (subject to review) 

Purpose of Post To support users of services through an education, training, and employability programme integrated with SCT’s wider services and enterprise offer, as well as partner opportunities in the wider community. To oversee and coordinate access to SCT’s Training and Development tutor-led activities including art, creative writing, digital skills, gardening, literacy, woodwork, and peer-led ‘Choices’ groups, and to monitor people’s progress over time.

Salary Up to £27,488 (£34,360 FTE) 

Hours 28 hours per week Monday to Friday (specific days negotiable) 

Location SCT Recovery Hub (Shoreditch) and other SCT locations 

Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is an East London charity embedded in the local community, providing practical support and training to people affected by homelessness and addictions so they can rebuild their lives. We have a Recovery Hub in Shoreditch, where we run an abstinence-based residential recovery service (‘Acorn House’), and a Training and Development service, including tutor-led art, creative writing, digital skills, gardening, literacy, and woodwork. In addition, we run Housing First and Supported Housing services, both in East London. We also have eight charity shops and two social enterprises, which give us a presence in the wider East London community while generating valuable funds. 

Our ‘SCT in the Community’ strategy seeks to make SCT’s core offer combining enterprise, housing support, therapeutic support, training and development more available to all the neighbourhoods where we have a presence.  SCT’s shops are great opportunities for local people to connect with SCT in many different ways, to build relationships, participate, and celebrate their gifts.  This is an approach we are  keen to develop alongside our accompanying strategy to develop our ‘SCT Women’s Service’ to provide residential treatment for women. 

You will be joining a team that is committed to working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, ideas, and skills to create a supportive culture. This is something we are proud of and believe is at the heart of our success. 

We seek to recruit people with a good combination of talent, skills and potential, promoting equality for all, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates regardless of age, race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. We select candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and commitment to the values and purposes of SCT. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

We are dedicated to supporting those who access our Training and Development service to explore further Education, Training, and Employment (ETE) opportunities as part of SCT’s Progressions Programme, both within and outside of SCT. This includes those in early recovery who are resident in our abstinent-based recovery service (‘Acorn House’), as well as those in our move-on house and the wider community who may be more established in their recovery. SCT’s Progression Worker supports those accessing our services to explore ETE opportunities, offering tailored, individually specific support to help them reach their full potential. SCT’s Progression Programme is centred on empowering people in recovery to cultivate confidence and realise their potential. 

SCT Progressions Programme 

1. Identifying SCT residents and students ready to pursue ETE opportunities: 

• Collaborate with SCT tutors and managers, particularly the Therapeutic Programme Manager and Supported Housing Manager, to identify those who may benefit from the support on offer. 

• Cultivate strong relationships with SCT’s social enterprises and shops to establish clear pathways for volunteering and trainee opportunities for those who access our services. 

• Conduct assessments, develop and implement individualised Progression Plans, and evaluate progress according to each person’s needs, strengths and aspirations, involving key internal and external partners as appropriate. 

1. Providing information, advice, and guidance regarding ETE opportunities: 

• Offer information, initial advice, and guidance on employment, voluntary work, and further education opportunities. 

• Promote SCT's work to external partners to maximise ETE opportunities for those who access our services. 

• Make referrals for placements, volunteering experiences, apprenticeship schemes, colleges, and other external programmes. 

• Support individual users of services with referrals and applications for ETE opportunities.

• Maintain partnerships with relevant ETE providers to offer diverse opportunities to users of services. 

• Work with corporate partners offering employability opportunities to users of services. 

• Design, develop, and deliver employability workshops as required. 

1. Oversight of users of SCT services volunteering in SCT’s social enterprises and shops: 

• Match potential volunteers to SCT volunteering opportunities. 

• Support potential volunteers with applications for volunteering opportunities. 

• Liaise with colleagues who will be managing volunteering experiences. 

• Conduct risk assessments. 

• Support volunteers on an ongoing basis. 

• Hold regular review meetings with volunteers, and SCT colleagues.

1. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting: 

• Maintain accurate records of activities, outcomes, and feedback, including monitoring of In-Form, SCT’s bespoke CRM data management system.

• Input relevant data to In-Form to track participants’ progress. 

• Identify success stories of participants overcoming significant barriers to learning and work. 

• Collaborate with colleagues to celebrate success stories through various channels. 

• Participate in quality improvement activities, staff development opportunities, and self-evaluation. 

• Assist Fundraising, Communications, and Marketing colleagues in preparing funding applications and reports. 

1. Providing Ongoing Support to Progression Alumni: 

• Conduct regular check-in calls/meetings with users of services. 

• Direct users of services to relevant support services, where necessary, for maintaining their recovery. 

• Organise an annual Progression Alumni event to celebrate service users' achievements and maintain contact. 

SCT Training & Development 

1. Co-ordinating the enrolment process for Training and Development activities for SCT residents and non-residents 

1. Ensuring plans are developed for those participating in Training and Development activities to progress according to their needs, strengths, aspirations, and available opportunities, including consideration for SCT’s Progressions Programme. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential Skills: 

• Demonstrated experience engaging vulnerable, long-term unemployed adults in relevant educational, employment, and training programmes. 

• Understanding of addiction and recovery. 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of people including users of services, corporate volunteers, funders and trustees. 

• Working knowledge of welfare benefits and experience supporting of supporting people to maximise their income.

• Strong networking skills and the ability to establish new working relationships with ETE providers. 

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good organisational skills. 

• Good basic IT skills, including proficiency in MS Word and basic data entry. 

• Team-oriented attitude in collaborating with different services and disciplines. 

Ethos: 

• Commitment to ensuring compliance with SCT’s Equal Opportunities Policy. 

• Adherence to all statutory and legal obligations, including data protection laws. 

• Environment: 

• Ensuring a safe and secure environment for users of services, free from alcohol, drugs, abusive behaviour, and exploitation. 

Finance and Budgeting: 

• Operating within agreed budgets and complying with SCT’s financial control procedures. 

Management: 

• Compliance with Line Manager’s reporting requirements. 

• Willingness to undertake other delegated tasks as necessary for the overall work of SCT. 

The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.

The charity runs three integrated programmes:

• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.

• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.

• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.

Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.

We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.

Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.

Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.

Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER

Responsible to: Head of Margins

Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London

Salary: £32,500 - £35,000

Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.

Three-month probation, two months’ notice.

23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)

Start date: May 2024

Purpose of Job:

• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.

• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.

• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.

• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.

• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.

• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.

The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.

Responsible For:

• Working with caseload of guests

• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services

• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.

• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.

• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.

• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.

• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.

• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme

Key Duties:

• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.

• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.

• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.

• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.

• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.

• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.

• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.

• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.

• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.

• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.

• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.

• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.

• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.

• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.

• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.

• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.

• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.

• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.

• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.

• Embrace a strength-based approach.

• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.

• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.

• Excellent written and oral communication skill.

• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.

• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.

• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.

• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.

Desirable:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups

• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds

Equal Opportunities:

• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.

• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.

This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.

Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am

Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024

Roma Outreach Worker (Full-time, 12-month fixed term contract)
Kingston upon Thames, Greater London
37.5 Hours per week

This role will require the person to work early mornings and late nights in order to conduct outreach shifts in the Borough.

UK Driving Licence and Romani or Romanian language skills are essential.

About Us

We are SPEAR, a charity dedicated to helping homeless people in South and West London find secure accommodation and work towards a positive future. For 30 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to support homeless people to recover from their personal issues and break down the barriers that they face. We recognise that homelessness is much more than just a housing issue, so we provide a range of accommodation and support services to help people reach their full potential.

The Benefits

– Salary of £31,500 per annum
– 34 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) increasing with length of service
– Pension scheme
– Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme
– A range of benefits including cycle to work scheme and staff wellbeing sessions
– Refer a friend bonus scheme

This is a superb opportunity for an individual with drive, focus and a desire to work with our outstanding charity to help us to combat homelessness. You’ll discover a passionate, supportive environment where the entire team are working toward the same goals and are dedicated to making positive change and producing great results.

The Role

The purpose of the Roma Outreach Worker role is to deliver an effective service to single people who are currently rough sleeping. This post will actively support Roma clients, providing a continued and consistent point of contact whilst assisting them in navigating the various change pathways available to them.

Are you passionate about utilising your language skills to assist in ending rough sleeping? Our organisation takes a proactive stance in supporting individuals away from rough sleeping, aiming for permanent transitions from rough sleeping.

We are seeking a dynamic and self-driven individual with language proficiency in Romanian or Romany to join our Kingston Outreach Team as a Roma Outreach Worker. In this pivotal role, you will engage in street outreach shifts, assess needs, and deliver personalised case management. It is the beginning of assisting clients on their journey from homelessness to independence.

To be considered for the role of Roma Outreach Worker, you will have:

- Able to speak Romani or Romanian fluently or to a high level.
- Full and clean UK driving licence.
- Good understanding of the Roma communities.
- Experience of working within the homelessness or social care sector.
- Have a creative, solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.
- Knowledge of GDPR and data management.
- Knowledge of current drug and alcohol provision and relevant services, pathways and conditions.
- Emotional resilience to deal with challenging behaviour and to facilitate ongoing constructive engagement.
- Solid IT skills with the ability to record sound and accurate records in a timely fashion on IT applications such as CHAIN and Inform.
- A commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
- Experience of support planning and risk assessing clients with complex needs, including safeguarding knowledge.
- Able to develop positive and professional working relationships with clients to facilitate the best possible outcomes and address issues of social isolation and exclusion.
- Experience in conducting client assessments and interviews and outcome monitoring.

For further and more detailed information on the role and person specification, please review the Job Description.

SPEAR is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environment is, the better our work will be.

At SPEAR, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Roma Outreach Worker, please apply via the button shown.

Salary: £18,058.62 (£28,216.60 per annum, pro-rated)

Location: Remote, homeworking, occasional travel to London 2-3 times a year may also be required.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time working 24 hours per week over 4-5 days

Closing Date: Thursday 25th of April 2024 at 11:30pm

Please note this role is being advertised as a Retail Team Administrator, however on appointment your job title will be Shop Support Team Administrator.

Do you have an understanding of administrative support processes and good practice and a real desire to develop as part of an inclusive and supportive team at one of Britain’s leading housing charities? Then join Shelter as an Administrator - Shop Support Team and you could soon be fulfilling your ambition.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the team

The Shop Support Team Administrator role sits within our Shop Support Team in the Income Generation directorate at Shelter, you will report into the Shop Support Team Manager.

About the Role

Providing comprehensive support to our Shops and Retail function is what’s required here. You’ll be the first point of contact for staff, customers and supporters and also be responsible for all aspects of the shop supplies orders process - from price checking to placing orders. And, when it comes to finance or new goods admin – like processing invoices, raising new product codes or assisting with stock takes, again we’ll count on you. Ensuring new shops have the necessary supplies and signage, maintaining till number records, updating spreadsheets and managing the shop’s online handbook – all are aspects of this interesting, varied and vital support role.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About you

To succeed, you’ll need a background in admin, excellent communication and time management skills and a proven ability to work across a range of tasks simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail. You’ll also need a proactive approach, lots of initiative and a flair for solving problems, completing tasks and overcoming obstacles.

The ability to respond quickly and positively to change is important too, as is a willingness to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas, methods or processes where appropriate. Commercially aware, customer focused and happy to work collaboratively for the good of a business, it goes without saying that you’re proficient using Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel, SharePoint, Outlook and the internet.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement with responses to the points in the ‘About you’ section of the job description, of no more than 350 words per point.

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.