Community Engagement Worker
Two year fixed term contract
Are you active in community development and/or used to working with a variety of different communities and internal and external stakeholders? Then join Shelter as a Community Engagement Worker and you could soon be playing your part into bringing about positive change for people affected by housing/homelessness issues.
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 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.
About the Role
Primarily based in communities and working via an outreach approach, your challenge will be to build relationships with specific communities, primarily those that are under resourced and/or who experience barriers to good housing, in order to provide preventative support to groups and individuals. We’ll also rely on you to help people at risk of bad housing and homelessness to access support before crisis point via housing rights promotion, training and engagement. Listening to the issues that are key to different communities will be key, as will working alongside them to try and find solutions, often in partnership with other agencies in the city, especially in the voluntary and community sector. This role is funded for two years by Shelter’s long-standing corporate partner, Nationwide Building Society.
About you
A demonstrable interest in, or knowledge of, homelessness and housing legislation and welfare benefits is essential. We would also welcome applications from people who have lived experience of bad housing or homelessness. Enthusiastic and self-motivated, strong written and verbal communication skills are vital, as is the ability to represent the organisation effectively to a range of external and internal stakeholders. Adept at preparing, planning and delivering training and/or group work sessions and proficiency using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications is essential. Crucially, you’re someone who’s able to see the bigger picture and visualise the future of Shelter’s local service, understand Shelter’s strategic aims, yet maintain focussed on day-to-day detail.
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. Previous applicants need not apply.
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 promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities),gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We also encourage applications from people, who have been homeless or have been at risk of homelessness. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.
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.