Volunteer Role

Job title: / Shelter Coordinator
Context: / Hackney Winter Night Shelter are looking for enthusiasticand committed volunteers to join us as Shelter Coordinators.
We are a small charityprovidinga hot meal and a warm bed for homeless guests who would otherwise be out on the streets during the coldest winter months. The shelter operates out of different venues aroundHackneyeach night of the week and we are open from 1st November - 22nd December and 30th December - 31st March.
Purpose and scope: / We are dependent on our wonderful volunteers and in particular our Shelter Coordinators whohaveprime responsibility for running the Shelter on their particularevening, usually as part of a small team.
Reports to: / Core Group (group of Shelter Coordinators)
Works closely with: / HWNS volunteers
HWNS volunteer Shelter Coordinators
HWNS Advocate Workers
HWNS Shelter Manager
Hackney Doorways Board of Trustees
Main duties: /
  • To liaise with the owner of the hall where your shelter is held
  • To organise a team of volunteers on a rota basis
  • To encourage and support your volunteers
  • To create a welcoming environment for guests to stay in
  • To have overall responsibility for thesafe running of your shelter night, for the wellbeing of both guests and volunteers - overseeing each shift from checking the fire alarm and organising the evening’s menu to sorting the laundry
  • To report by email to the core group of coordinators shortly after your shelter has closed each week
  • To be a supportive member of the Core Group
  • To liaise with the Advocate Worker on the list of expected guests

Length of role: / From December 30th to March 31st. Nights are organised between coordinators on a shift basis so this is flexible.

Person specification

Position: Coordinator
Date: November 2016
HWNS competencies / Application / Interview
Essential
  • The ability to lead, inspire and be part of a team
  • Confidence in decision making
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Appropriate understanding of boundaries
  • Understanding of HWNS guiding values
  • Willingness to cooperate with other coordinators
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Additional information

Night Shelter schedule for Winter 2016-17

1st November 2016 / Night shelter opens
We will have 15 beds at 7 different venues during November and December
23rd December 2016 / Night shelter closes for Christmas
Our 15 guests will spend Christmas at the Crisis Christmas shelter.
Advocate Workers and volunteers take a break over Christmas
30th December 2016 / Night shelter re-opens
We will have 25 beds at 14 church halls, i.e. a main shelter venue and a dormitory venue on each night of the week from January to March
31st March 2017 / Final night of the shelter

How to apply
To apply, please read the requirements for the role carefully and complete the application form. If you have any queries about the application process or Hackney Winter Night Shelter you visit our website