At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower individuals with lived experience to shape housing services and share their stories.
- Company: Join Shelter, a leading organisation fighting for housing rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible hours, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating systemic change in Norfolk.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by advocating for those affected by homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilitating groups and a strong understanding of housing issues required.
The predicted salary is between 32585 - 32585 € per year.
Salary: Grade 3 - £32,585 per annum
Location: Norwich
Hours: Part time – 21 per week - flexible working pattern
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2030 - subject to possible contract extension
Interviews: Week commencing 8th June 2026
Closing date: Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 11:30pm
Do you have an understanding of how lived experience of bad housing or homelessness can impact people, plus a real desire and proven ability to help them share their feedback, stories and experiences, so that we can better help them in the future? Then join Shelter as a Lived Experience Coordinator and you could soon be playing a vital role within our Norfolk Hub.
About the role
Everything you do will have the aim of ensuring that people with lived experience have their say over the help they receive and have the opportunity to shape housing and homelessness services. You will plan and deliver a variety of involvement activities around Norfolk, working closely with the Shelter team and wider partners as part of the Norfolk Homelessness Solutions Forum. This will include recruiting, training and inducting people to be part of lived experience activities, supporting Shelter colleagues to put people with lived experience at the heart of their work. You will ensure that there are regular opportunities for feedback and that any wellbeing and safeguarding concerns are managed in line with Shelter’s processes.
About you
You will need experience of facilitating involvement groups and other activities to support and involve people with lived experience in Shelter’s work. You have a strong understanding of how lived experience of housing issues can impact a person and so ensure a safe and inclusive space where everybody can contribute. The ability to plan and co-ordinate involvement activities with local teams, with several activities running at once is important as well.
You will have a flair for developing successful relationships with colleagues across an organisation, as well as external local organisations and partners. Also, you have some experience of presenting information verbally and in writing and IT literacy including case management systems and Microsoft Office.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
About the project
The aim of the Norfolk Homelessness Solution Forum is to bring about system change for homelessness support in Norfolk, by ensuring that the people’s views are transferred into policies and practices that truly support and serve the community. The Forum helps with the sharing of best practice, identifying service gaps and developing strategy to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping.
About the Team
We have been providing housing advice to the people of Norfolk for almost 30 years, with specialisms in housing legal advice and advocacy. Our team work out of our Community Hub in Norwich and across Norfolk in community settings. We work in partnership with other local services to address interconnected issues which may impact on our clients’ ability to keep a home. This also includes advice for residents of Kings Lynn in partnership with Broadland Housing and Norfolk Citizens Advice. We also deliver housing right awareness sessions to empower local communities to take action on housing issues.
How to Apply
Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a behaviour-based application with responses to the five points in the ‘About you’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. These will be labelled as Knowledge, Skills and Experience on the application form. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
- We create change and align behind our strategy
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything. We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Lived Experience Coordinator employer: Shelter
Shelter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of those with lived experience of housing issues. With flexible working hours, generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth through training and community engagement, you will play a vital role in shaping homelessness services in Norwich. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Shelter and their mission. Understanding their values and how they align with your own lived experiences will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experiences can contribute to the role of Lived Experience Coordinator and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! Authenticity is key when sharing your lived experiences. Don’t shy away from discussing challenges you've faced; it shows resilience and a genuine understanding of the issues at hand.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you dive into your application, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and how you can tailor your responses to really shine.
Use the STAR Method:When answering the behaviour-based questions, remember to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps us see your thought process and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Be Specific and Relevant:Make sure to provide specific examples that relate directly to the skills and experiences we’re after. The more relevant your examples, the better we can understand how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered properly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the impact of bad housing and homelessness. Familiarise yourself with Shelter's mission and values, and think about how your lived experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Prepare Your STAR Stories
Since you'll need to provide behaviour-based examples, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare specific stories that showcase your experience in facilitating involvement groups. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in creating inclusive spaces for feedback.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Highlight your ability to develop relationships with colleagues and external partners. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, particularly in the context of supporting people with lived experience.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about the types of involvement activities they currently run or how they measure the impact of feedback from those with lived experience.
