Dorset advocacy jobs
Interviews will be held the w/c 9th February
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
This is a great opportunity to work with a lead provider of homelessness and housing advice and support and gain invaluable experience while being part of an exciting employability programme centred on lived experience. The traineeship lasts up to 12 months, and you will receive personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented you from getting meaningful employment.
This role will work alongside our community services support teams, based in Weymouth. The main purpose of this will be to learn support skills and how to use your lived experience to actively engage with people recovering from homelessness. To do this you will work alongside members of the support team. You will be supported and guided by the services team leader and senior support worker. A key part of the role will be to support people as they move further into independent living, encouraging them to into learning, social activities and personal development.
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
The team in Dorset is well-established and has been providing housing advice and support services within Dorset for over 20 years. With office bases in Bournemouth and Weymouth, we have contracts to deliver Housing First support in the Dorset Council area and offer Legal Aid Advice, including a court desk service at Bournemouth and Weymouth County Courts.
We are active in our communities and strive to understand what housing issues people are experiencing, providing advice and advocacy to individuals and groups to empower them to resolve their situation.
We work across Dorset with partner agencies including Julian House, Lantern, Dorset Council and drug and alcohol services to support individuals to access housing and support and prevent repeat homelessness.
How to Apply
Email and phone number details can be found on the Shelter advert found by clicking 'Redirect to Recruiter' on this page.
To apply you need to submit a copy of your CV and a completed application form (attached), this can be submitted either online, by email or you can submit a paper copy to the Shelter Weymouth, Lynch Lane Offices, Weymouth DT4 9DW. Please don’t worry if your CV has gaps or limited work experience, this is not a problem.
When completing your application form please make sure you give an example for each of the criteria listed in ‘About You’ section. If you need support to create a CV, please contact Katie by phone or send her an email.
We will be holding support sessions at our hub in Dorset and online to give people practical support and advice on how to complete an application, 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 Dorset. These will take place on the following date:
Friday 23rd January, 13:30 – 15:30 at Shelter, Lynch Lane Offices & Wellbeing Centre, Lynch Lane, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9DN
Monday 26th January, 13:30 – 15:30 Via Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now , Meeting ID: 340 436 596 662 97, Passcode: hJ64fX2N
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.
Registered Charity 
More than 1000
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking a leader with a hands-on approach to lead our small team of administrative staff and support our Board of Trustees and members to help shape and implement our strategy for the future. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation, translating the strategy into practice to help the organisation grow and deliver real value to our members.
About Us
ACAT is a charity dedicated to advancing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) through training, accreditation and the provision of continuous professional development to CAT Therapists. Also, through research and promotion of CAT as a valuable and valued talking therapy.
About you
We are looking for someone who is an experienced leader with a knowledge of and understanding of CAT who is:
A strategic thinker
Able to set, manage and report on budgets
An excellent communicator with a proven track record of implementing change
Why Join ACAT
The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to develop CAT training and the governance of CAT therapists
30 days annual leave for FTE (Pro Rata)
Flexible working arrangements with both home working and some team-based hours each month at the office in Dorchester, Dorset, and attendance at ad hoc meetings and events in person within the UK from time to time.
This is a permanent contract; part-time flexible 14 hours per week subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
Closing date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Thank you!
Location: Sheffield and covering one other location TBC
Salary: Grade 7 - £49,488 per annum
Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026 at 11.30 pm
Full time - 35 hours per week
Join Shelter as a Managing Housing Solicitor, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice.
If you are a dedicated Solicitor with specialist knowledge in housing and homelessness law, and a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis we welcome you to apply for this role.
At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission as a Managing Solicitor to lead a team to defend the right to a safe, and secure home.
Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives—they shape a fairer housing system.
About the role
You will ensure you and your team will deliver high quality legal services and manage our Legal Aid Contract, with your main focus being on your own caseload and to manage and supervise the legal teams who are advocating for clients with housing issues, as well as bringing about systemic change. You will be dealing with personnel issues, providing professional support and supervision to your team, including but not limited to, independent file reviews (IFRs), time recording and good case management, as well as carrying your own caseload of housing litigation.
Contributing to the strategic direction of Shelter legal services nationally will be an important aspect of the role too, as will taking the lead on delivering strategic change aligned to Shelter’s strategy and ensuring Legal aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.
You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Head of Legal Services, the Hub Management Team and teams within Communications, Policy and Campaigns and Business Development. As a key member of the management team, you will also get to play your part in the management of our offices, including attending management team meetings and collaborating with other teams.
About you
1. You will be an experienced housing solicitor, court advocate, carrying your own caseload as well as managing and supervising others.
2. You will have a minimum of 4 years post qualification legal practice experience
3. You will have supervisor status and have substantial knowledge of housing and homelessness law.
4. You are able to carry out research and policy analysis in the areas of housing, homeless and welfare law, produce reports and presentations.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 32 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.
About the team
Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout the England hubs, we are currently based in London, Plymouth, Dorset, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Our teams are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting the housing injustice. Our teams whilst generating an income also address the housing crisis.
Shelter Sheffield provide housing advice and support to people across the city, with a focus on emergency homelessness, intensive support for children and families, people experiencing domestic abuse and people with multiple and complex needs. A holistic approach is taken to help people deal with interrelated issues that can impact their ability to keep a home and work for systemic changes to prevent homelessness, supporting over 5000 people every year.
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.
How to apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-4 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words total. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
CVs without an accompanying supporting statement will not be considered.
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.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.