Complex Lives Coordinator (Support Worker) – Winter Shelter

Happy Days is a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty and multiple disadvantage. We provide safe accommodation, practical support and compassionate, person-centred services that help people improve their wellbeing, reduce harm and move towards more independent lives.

Our services include the Complex Lives Drop-In, Winter Shelter, Residential Support Service, High Tolerance and Harm Reduction projects, Jubilee House, and Supported Accommodation.

We’re looking for compassionate, motivated and resilient Complex Lives Coordinators (Support Workers) to join our Winter Shelter team for a 6-month temporary contract.

Our Winter Shelter provides a safe and welcoming environment for adults experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage. Many of the people we support face a combination of homelessness, substance misuse, poor mental health, trauma, physical health needs and social exclusion.

You will provide high-quality, trauma-informed and person-centred support, working within our High Tolerance Harm Reduction Model. You'll build trusting relationships, support people through periods of crisis, reduce harm and help residents work towards their own goals and greater independence.

Provide person-centred and trauma-informed support to residents experiencing multiple disadvantage

Complete assessments, support plans and reviews

Support residents to access healthcare, housing, benefits and other services

Promote harm reduction and safer choices around substance use

Manage safeguarding concerns and complex risk

Respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies

Build positive relationships with residents, colleagues and partner agencies

Support referrals, placements and move-on planning

Help residents develop independent living skills and work towards greater independence

Maintain accurate case records and contribute to the day-to-day running of the Winter Shelter

You'll have experience supporting adults experiencing homelessness, multiple disadvantage or complex needs.

You'll be compassionate, reliable and able to build trusting professional relationships with people who may have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and repeated barriers to support.

You'll understand the principles of trauma-informed practice and harm reduction and be able to remain calm and make sound decisions when managing complex situations.

You'll also need to be organised, communicate effectively and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a busy frontline environment.

Experience of working within a High Tolerance Harm Reduction model and knowledge of supported housing would be advantageous.

Working Pattern

The Winter Shelter operates across 7 days a week, and the role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the service.

Shift patterns include

Day shifts: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Evening shifts: 4.30pm – 9.30pm

Overnight shifts: 9.00pm – 9.30am

This includes weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.

This is an opportunity to join a passionate team supporting people who are often excluded from traditional services.

You'll work within a supportive environment where relationships, harm reduction and compassion are at the heart of what we do, while gaining valuable experience working with people experiencing complex and multiple disadvantage.

Every day is different, and your work will make a genuine difference to the people staying at our Winter Shelter.

Please complete and return the application form to sarah.hanson@happydaysuk.org with a brief summary of your relevant experience and why you believe you are a good fit for the role.

Please also see the attached Full Job Description and Application Form for further information about the role and application process.

Application Form

Further details Complex Lives Coordinator – Winter Shelter - Happy Days UK

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