Entry level jobs for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Interviews will be held on Thursday 28th May 9:45-14:30

This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.

Come and join us

We’re looking for passionate individuals with personal experience of homelessness, bad housing, which may include other related disadvantages such as substance misuse and mental ill-health; to come and join us and make a difference to the way we do things. If you believe that people should have a say in their own support and that they should be at the front of making meaningful change then this could be the traineeship for you.

About the role
The GROW Trainee will support people who are experiencing homelessness to move through the project towards self-advocacy. Using a supportive and respectful approach, the trainee will build positive relationships, help people recognise their strengths, set personal goals, and develop the skills to speak up for themselves. They will support individuals to understand and access services, make informed choices about their health and wellbeing, and feel more in control of their lives.

You'll support local campaigns and strengthen connections between the lived experience involvement group and the Hub, making sure lived experiences are valued and included.

Role specifics
We are looking for people who are passionate about the opportunity to use their own life experiences to help make positive change for others.

You’ll also need a commitment to equality and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and exclusion.

Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential.

Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided.

Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

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.

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 the team
Shelter Greater Manchester is made up of several different teams and services including the Housing Rights Team, Legal Services, Early Help Adult Navigators, GROW Campus, Fundraising, Lived Experience, Volunteering and My Health Matters. 

The role will primarily be based within the My Health Matter Project.

My Health Matters is a peer-led inclusion health project that works towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the health care they need. The project delivers a Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service which supports people experiencing homelessness to address physical and mental health needs. We work to improve people’s confidence in using health services and increase their ability to access healthcare independently. The project brings together frontline health and social care services with those with lived experience supporting the co-production of solutions to health inequalities in Manchester.

Supporting your application

We will be holding a support session at our hub in Manchester to give people practical support and advice on how to create a CV or supporting statement to apply for the role, or to pick up a paper application. These sessions will also give you the chance to find out more about the role as well as other opportunities at Shelter Manchester If you would like to come along, please contact us to book a slot. This will take place on the following date: 

Friday 8th May between 11:00-12:30 – The application support session will be held at Shelter, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, M4 5JW

We operate Fair Chance Recruitment practices and will not ask for any information about convictions during the application process. This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We are open to and inclusive of applicants with criminal convictions for this role; having a criminal conviction will not prevent us from considering you. 

Following the interview stage, we will ask our preferred applicant to disclose any past unspent convictions. The information disclosed will be considered by a panel and a decision will be taken about making an offer.

This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement
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.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Citizens Advice Woking as part of a specialist partnership with i-access, Surrey’s drug and alcohol support service. As a Generalist Adviser, you will work directly with individuals in recovery, helping them navigate some of the most challenging issues they face - including welfare benefits, debt, and housing.

Working across a mix of in-person, remote, and outreach settings, you will provide tailored, practical advice that helps people overcome immediate crises and build longer-term stability. You’ll take time to understand each client’s situation in depth, explore their options, and where needed, actively support them - whether that’s completing applications, negotiating with third parties, or advocating on their behalf.

This role is about more than advice - it’s about empowering people at a critical point in their lives. You’ll work closely with i-access staff to ensure a joined-up approach, while also being part of the wider Citizens Advice Woking team, connecting clients to additional support where needed.

We’re looking for someone who is confident managing a varied and sometimes demanding caseload, with strong listening skills, sound judgement, and the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical guidance. Experience in advice work is essential, and knowledge of welfare benefits, debt, or housing would be a strong advantage.

In return, you’ll be part of a supportive and purpose-driven organisation, with opportunities for ongoing development and the chance to make a meaningful, day-to-day difference in people’s lives.