Winter Shelter at The Cavern
Hosting a winter shelter at The Cavern is a temporary solution for homeless individuals at the coldest time of year. We host groups in one room.
We help people (18+) by giving them somewhere to sleep overnight (9pm-8am). We are funded by Gloucestershire County Council for this service.
Our team of support workers facilitate a safe place to stay for people who are struggling with homelessness.
The ideal candidate for this position will have experience of supporting people with mental health issues. More importantly than that they will have a passion for seeing people become the best they can be. Passionate about being a part of someone’s journey to better their lives, learning new skills and building healthier relationships. They will have excellent people skills and good communication skills and very good emotional resilience - we are working with people who can be at a very difficult time in their life and good boundaries are important.
- All applicants will be required to undergo a basic DBS check and must provide two references before a start date can be arranged.
Working with Treasure Seekers
The ideal person for this role will have a passion to see people develop skills and change their lives for the better. You will need strong people skills, and be able to show patience and understanding whilst maintaining good professional boundaries. You’ll be part of a team, so good communication is key. You’ll also need to be self-motivated and confident working independently. Having a flexible and adaptable attitude is crucial, because the needs of those we work with can change quickly. A good level of emotional resilience is definitely an asset, and a non-judgemental approach to mental health, recovery, and relapse.
In all of our roles, either an Enhanced or basic DBS check and two references will be required before you can start working for us. That’s just part of making sure everyone stays safe.
You’ll thrive at Treasure Seekers if you:
- Really like people
- Care about building real community
- Feel like our vision and values resonate with you
- Work in a person-centred way
- Are passionate about both individual and system-level change
- Understand that all behaviour happens for a reason
- Can deliver service of the highest level to all kinds of people
- Work well as part of a team
- Can stay calm and not take things personally when someone’s having a tough day
- Don’t mind things getting messy sometimes
What you’ll get from Treasure Seekers:
- A team that actually cares about people’s lives improving
- Leaders who are hands-on and grounded in the day-to-day as much as possible
- A culture where feedback is welcomed. We listen, reflect, and act where appropriate
- A creative, forward-thinking approach. We are always evolving to meet people’s real needs
- Loads of opportunities to learn and grow
- Flexible hours (within business needs)
- Supportive team culture that embraces neurodivergence and mental health
- Clear policies and procedures to keep everyone safe and treated fairly
- Casual dress code
- Clear accountability – we work to high standards, with oversight and contracts from the NHS and local council
Support you’ll get with us:
- Access to our HR and Health & Safety platform
- Regular line management support
- 24/7 access to The Wellbeing Line – free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support from qualified professionals, available to everyone, plus consultations for anyone managing others
- An open-door culture. You’re encouraged to speak up and supported when you do
- Reflection and debriefs after challenging situations
- Flexibility and understanding when life happens or things get tough
- Clear boundaries and escalation routes so you're not carrying things on your own
Title of Role
Overnight Support Worker
Purpose of Role
To enable people to become the best version of themselves by facilitating a safe and warm place to stay for the night for people who would otherwise be sleeping in the street during the coldest months of the year.
Main Activities/Tasks
To support and engage with those attending the mental health drop in
- To manage the environment, including dealing with any challenging behaviour
- To ensure a clean and tidy environment is available each night and cleaned each morning.
- To welcome people each night, assessing their needs around food and drink, offering them a blanket and showing them where they can sleep.
- To monitor the environment throughout the night, ensuring everyone is safe, working with security staff where necessary
- To oversee breakfast provision each morning
- To use initiative to work throughout the night in a measured way, being mindful of individuals sleeping
- To work with the support lead/team leader within their direction of leadership
- To have a basic understanding of mental health
- To attend training and regular professional development
- To work within the policies and procedures of Kingfisher Treasure Seekers
- Any other duties as required
Training and experience
Full training will be given during induction and on an ongoing basis.
- Experience of working supporting people with mental health issues (desirable)
Hours
0 contracted hours per week to be called upon when the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is called by the council. This could be the same day.
£13.10 per hour
Support
Employees can expect to receive the following support:
- Use of a HR and H&S Platform.
- Line Management support
- 24/7 access to a BUPA call line run by Qualified Counsellors
Location
The Cavern, 56 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NF
Main Point of Contact
The Cavern Manager
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months
Pay: £13.10 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Why do you want to work for Treasure Seekers?
- What is your understanding of person-centred care?
Work Location: In person
