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 dedicated team working towards systemic change in Norfolk.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilitating groups and a passion for social justice.
The predicted salary is between 32585 - 32585 € per year.
Salary: Grade 3 - 32,585 per annum pro rata for part time
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 rights 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.
You will also be asked to demonstrate how you meet the behaviours below:
- 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 - Norfolk Homelessness Solutions Forum employer: Shelter
Shelter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness. With flexible working hours, generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while developing your skills within a passionate team dedicated to social justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience Coordinator - Norfolk Homelessness Solutions Forum
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Shelter and the Norfolk Homelessness Solutions Forum. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to lived experience and how it shapes housing services. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, so you can clearly demonstrate your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience Coordinator - Norfolk Homelessness Solutions Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the role and what it entails. Dive into the job description and think about how your experiences align with the responsibilities. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
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. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and experiences clearly!
Be Yourself:We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for helping others and your understanding of homelessness issues. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Follow the instructions carefully, and double-check your work before hitting submit. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the impact of homelessness and bad housing on individuals. Brush up on relevant statistics, personal stories, and Shelter's mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨STAR Method is Your Best Friend
When answering questions about your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to facilitate involvement groups and support people with lived experience. This structured approach will make your answers clear and impactful.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams and partners. Be ready to discuss how you've built successful relationships in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in community settings.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your alignment with Shelter's values, such as diversity and inclusivity. Think of examples that showcase your commitment to these principles. Demonstrating that you can create a safe and inclusive space for everyone will resonate well with the interviewers.
