At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide emergency shelter and support for those experiencing homelessness during severe weather.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals in Brighton.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, medical cash plan, and free bus pass.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including nights and weekends, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in homelessness services.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health and trauma-informed care is essential.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) Coordinator to play a vital role in delivering life-saving support to people experiencing homelessness during the coldest nights of the year. If you are compassionate, calm under pressure and passionate about helping others, this could be an incredibly fulfilling role for you.
Location: Brighton, First Base Day Centre
Salary: £28,608 per annum
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract until 31st March 2027
Hours: Average of 37 hours per week (the role will include Waking Night Shifts)
Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026 at 23:59
Interview Date: Friday 9th October 2026
About the Service
Working in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) and Change Grow Live (CGL), the team deliver Group SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) provision for people experiencing homelessness during periods of severe weather. Group SWEP provides emergency overnight accommodation in a congregate (group) setting, ensuring that individuals at risk of rough sleeping have access to a safe place to stay, food, and essential support during severe weather events. The service is delivered collaboratively, bringing together statutory and voluntary sector partners to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable people and help connect them to longer-term support services.
About the Role
You will help provide a safe, warm and welcoming overnight shelter for up to 20 people at the First Base Day Centre when severe weather conditions are activated and temperatures are forecast to fall to 0°C or below. This is a rewarding opportunity, ensuring some of the most vulnerable people have a place of safety when they need it most. You will lead a small team of bank staff and have the full support of your experienced line manager who will provide practical guidance, expertise and encouragement throughout each SWEP activation, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to deliver this essential service effectively. Alongside a dedicated team of Bank Cover Workers, you will help create a welcoming environment where people feel safe, respected and cared for, while gaining valuable experience in homelessness services and emergency provision.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the planning and operational delivery of Group SWEP provision when activated.
- Develop and manage staff rotas.
- Participate in the overnight delivery of SWEP as part of a team.
- Ensure sufficient supplies of food, bedding, sleeping equipment, and other essential resources are available.
- Liaise with security staff to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and visitors.
- Work collaboratively with BHCC, CGL, and other partner organisations.
- Support individuals accessing SWEP provision with dignity, respect, and a trauma-informed approach.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure appropriate information sharing between partners.
- Respond effectively to operational challenges and emergencies during SWEP activations.
- Ensure health and safety, safeguarding, fire safety, and other relevant procedures are followed.
- Contribute to service reviews, debriefs, and the ongoing development of SWEP provision.
About You
We are looking for someone with good knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness. You will have:
- Experience of working with people experiencing multiple challenges including mental health and substance misuse issues.
- Experience of Psychologically Informed Practice and providing Trauma Informed Care.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, and health and safety management.
- Professional boundaries; safeguarding, accountability, and confidentiality within the workplace.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, including responding to concerns and escalation procedures.
- Strong IT and administrative skills.
- Ability to plan work, work independently and prioritise competing demands.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain effective communication and partnership working.
- Working flexible hours including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- Ability to identify hazards and emerging risks relating to clients, colleagues, and the environment.
In Return
The charity is proud to have Gold Accreditation from Investors in People, be a Disability Confident employer, and part of the Mental Health at Work commitment. You will also receive:
- 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance.
- Medical cash plan with Medicash.
- Access to Learning & Development platform.
- Free and confidential employee assistance helpline.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Free 28-day Network Saver Brighton bus pass (new starters).
- Generous holiday allowance (starting at 27 days and rising to 32 with service).
- Opportunities to participate in wellbeing and fundraising activities throughout the year.
Join an equal opportunities employer, committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity. Applications are welcomed from individuals with lived experience. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments if invited to interview.
Please Note: An Enhanced with Adults DBS check will be required for this role.
Homelessness Coordinator in Brighton employer: BHT Sussex
BHT Sussex is an exceptional employer, dedicated to inspiring change across Sussex while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and a focus on mental health support. Join us in making a meaningful impact through engaging communications and be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Coordinator in Brighton
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by BHT Sussex.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like BHT Sussex.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at BHT Sussex.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at BHT Sussex. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Coordinator in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of BHT Sussex. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Homelessness Coordinator, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at BHT Sussex
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of BHT Sussex. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
