Night Shelter Manager; Bank/Casual
Listed on 2026-09-28
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Social Work
Crisis Counselor
Team: Night Shelters
Location: On-site at Glass Door Night shelter venues in the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham or Wandsworth
Contract: Casual / Bank (ad-hoc shifts available between 21 November 2026 to 22 March 2027)
Reporting to: Service Manager – Night Shelters
Shifts available:
- 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Pay: £19.90 per hour
Job Purpose
You’ll provide cover on an ad-hoc basis, picking up shifts as needed to ensure the shelter runs smoothly. As a Night Shelter Manager, you’ll be the lead staff member for your shift, overseeing the safe and smooth running of one of Glass Door’s seasonal night shelters between November and April.
You’ll work alongside Overnight Project Workers and volunteers on your shift to make sure the shelter is a welcoming, safe, and respectful place for up to 35 guests. Your role is to set the tone for the night: briefing the team before opening, welcoming and inducting new guests, explaining our shelter guidelines, and ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities. You’ll be the first point of contact for any issues during your shift, whether that’s supporting someone in distress, addressing concerns or responding to challenging behaviour.
You’ll also ensure shelter procedures are followed, keep accurate records of attendance and incidents, and maintain clear communication with the casework team so they can follow up with guests. Alongside leading operations, you’ll actively work with guests, volunteers, and colleagues to create a friendly and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity.
This role is ideal for someone who can remain calm under pressure, lead a small team confidently, and is committed to supporting people as they work towards ending their homelessness; all while making sure the night shelter runs smoothly from start to finish.
Job Description
As the lead staff member for your shift, you’ll be responsible for the smooth and safe running of the shelter during your working hours. You’ll work closely with Overnight Project Workers and volunteers, setting the tone for the night and making sure everything runs to plan.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Leading the shift – Oversee the running of the shelter during your shift, making sure guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported.
- Briefing the team – Hold a short briefing before opening to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities for the night.
- Welcoming guests – Greet guests warmly, induct new arrivals by explaining shelter guidelines and behaviour expectations, and answer any questions they have.
- Supporting volunteers – Guide and support the volunteer team, working closely with Volunteer Coordinators to make sure their time is well organised and meaningful.
- Monitoring wellbeing – Keep an eye on guest welfare throughout the shift, offering support when needed.
- Responding to issues – Manage any situations that arise, from emotional distress to challenging behaviour or medical emergencies, and call emergency services if necessary. Training will be provided.
- Overseeing safety and security – Take responsibility for the overall safety and security of the shelter during your shift, ensuring guests, staff, and volunteers are safe and supported at all times.
- Following procedures – Help make sure the shelter’s policies and procedures are understood and put into practice during the shift.
- Shift handover – Provide a clear handover at the end of your shift so the overnight team has all the information they need.
- Shelter van – Drive the van from its parking location to the shelter at the start of the shift, keep it tidy, and carry out basic stock checks before departure, reporting any shortages for restocking.
- Keeping accurate records – Record attendance,…
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