At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage catering, healthcare, and guest welfare services for Crisis at Christmas.
- Company: Join Crisis, the national charity dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, interest-free loans, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong values and community focus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer management and customer service is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it. We are now recruiting the team that will deliver Crisis at Christmas 2026/27. This unique project mobilises a huge volunteering effort to provide warmth, companionship and vital services in temporary centres across London to people facing homelessness.
Contract: Fixed Term parental leave cover contract – starting in Aug/Sept 2026 and ending on Feb 26th, 2027
Hours: 35 hours per week however some evening, weekend and bank holiday work will be required. TOIL can be accrued and taken as leave in line with Crisis’ TOIL policy.
Location: Canning Town Warehouse, E16 4ES - three days per week onsite. Additional days and locations across London will be required during the Christmas period when our sites are operational.
About the role
We are looking for someone to manage our catering, healthcare and guest welfare services for this year’s Crisis at Christmas. These services offer a diverse opportunity to grow and expand your knowledge in different areas whilst using project management and volunteer management skills to ensure they are delivered in a safe and effective way for our guests. The role requires an ability to recruit, train and manage your own teams of volunteers at the same time as maintaining professional partnership relationships to ensure we can put on a diverse programme of services for our guests.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have…
- Experience recruiting or managing volunteers (essential) as well experience managing or supporting staff (desirable).
- Experience managing relationships with partnership organisations.
- Experience working in the homelessness sector or similar social work settings either directly working with vulnerable adults or to provide services for them.
- Excellent spoken and written skills to communicate effectively and confidently with a wide range of audiences.
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work to tight deadlines in ambiguous or challenging situations.
- Experience of customer service and ability to deal with high volumes of enquiries via phone and email in a professional and friendly manner.
- Be able to work over the Christmas period.
Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply. We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness. Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Sunday 12 July :59
Interview process: Competency-based interview written task
Interview date and location: Wednesday 22 July 2026 at Canning Town warehouse, E16 4ES
AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.
Services Engagement Officer - Catering & Healthcare in London employer: CRISIS UK
Crisis is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Canning Town, staff can enjoy a vibrant environment with access to various resources and support networks, enhancing both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Services Engagement Officer - Catering & Healthcare in London
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like CRISIS UK!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at CRISIS UK that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Services Engagement Officer - Catering & Healthcare in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at CRISIS UK. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for CRISIS UK.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at CRISIS UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRISIS UK
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of CRISIS UK resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Services Engagement Officer - Catering & Healthcare position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
