Manager in Lancaster)

Location: Lancaster LA1 1BJ or such other place as required

Salary: Starting salary £30,903.60 for 30 hours per week, £38,626 to £41,511 (FTE), NJC Salary Scale PO2

Hours: 30 hours per week (with a possibility of increasing to 37.5 hours if required)

Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 30th June

The Role

The post holder will operationally manage Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service ensuring effective day-to-day management and the delivery of high-quality support to street homeless individuals with complex needs. This role involves leading and managing a team of staff and volunteers and facilitating a hub for a range of services. The post holder will foster strong partnerships within the hub ensuring it operates efficiently, safely and in line with LDHAS's values and policies. The post-holder will also lead LDHAS in the strategic development of its vision as a hub for a range of services. This includes strategy and business planning development and articulating LDHAS's vision and mission in partnership with the Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong and effective leadership to the operational team, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of LDHAS services, ensuring they are delivered to a high standard and in line with agreed policies and procedures.
• Manage and support the performance and development of staff and volunteers, including supervision, appraisal, and training.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies and stakeholders within the hub and the wider community.
• Ensure the hub operates as a safe and welcoming environment for service users, staff, and volunteers, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of LDHAS's strategic plans and operational policies.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes as required.
• Manage budgets effectively within the operational remit, ensuring value for money.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and data collection in line with organisational requirements and relevant legislation.
• Prepare reports for the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders on operational activities and performance.
• Lead on safeguarding matters within the operational team, ensuring adherence to LDHAS's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Manage risk effectively within the operational areas, implementing appropriate risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Respond dynamically to situational changes and risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop and monitor plans and processes for ensuring the long-term viability of the organisation and ensure impact reporting is developed.
• Work with the Finance Officer and Fundraising & Development Officer to ensure the financial sustainability of the charity by identifying and securing appropriate funding that supports the charity in achieving its objectives.
• Identify and respond to emerging needs and trends within the local homeless community.
• Represent the LDHAS at relevant forums and meetings.
• Respond to media enquiries, manage events, photo calls and visits.
• Produce, edit, proofread, and co-ordinate complex internal and external publications, client leaflets and public advice documents.
• Write press releases, articles; oversee print and distribution.
• Work with the management team to prepare the annual report and annual accounts for authorisation by the Board and then submission to The Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Report to the Board on the organisation's strategic developments and challenges and risks.
• Alongside the Board take responsibility for the legal obligations of the organisation in accordance with The Charity Commission and Companies House.

Skills and Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of working with vulnerable adults and homelessness. Gained through qualification and/or equivalent Bachelor level experiential learning.
• The ability to draw on and apply personal lived experiences appropriately.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerable people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services that are responsive to their needs.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to homelessness and safeguarding.
• Extensive experience in managing services for individuals with complex needs.
• Experience of developing and delivering effective interagency working.
• Experience in the development of new roles and services.
• Demonstrable evidence of leading change.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-agency environment.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• High-level analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to critically analyse and evaluate service issues to promote service improvement.
• Ability to respond dynamically to situational change and risk.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service, please do not hesitate to apply.