Job Description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. A position has opened for a Homeless Service Centre manager to lead the operations of our new Homeless Service centre in Wynberg Cape Town. The centre provides the first 2 intervention phases of U-turn's full programme overseen by the Occupational Therapist/ Social worker based at the centre. The centre manager reports directly to the operational manager in the area and falls under the clinical direction of the clinical manager in the area.

This position

The Centre manager is responsible for leading the service delivery and intervention team to meet the outcomes of the centre as part of the full journey. The successful candidate will be based at the centre, but will also be very involved in the community building and maintaining relationships and collaborating with various stakeholders. The role will require the person to engage with homeless clients, often still in active addiction, and a thorough understanding of addiction will be beneficial.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to give homeless people the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe in

life after homelessness

. We believe that every homeless individual should have access to an effective pathway that addresses their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help homeless people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes rehabilitation from substance abuse, counselling, life-skills training, and work placement in one of our social enterprises. This allows candidates to test and apply the training they've received. In the process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills, and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can graduate and be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

The programme is yielding wonderful results. Our candidates typically graduate into open market employment and show an 80% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand the programme to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turns Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets, to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing, therapeutic and development-based interventions, and providing recovery support for those struggling with substance abuse. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Key areas of responsibility

Lead and develop the team based at the centre Oversee & coordinate day-to-day operations in order to meet the outcomes of the Centre Manage and develop the staff and volunteers on site effectively Ensure that daily services are delivered safely, effectively and efficiently at the Service Centre Take part in service delivery, client discussions, disciplinary conversations with clients and maintain the frame-work for client's recovery at all times. Build and improve the understanding of U-turn's work amongst partners & community (e.g. field workers forum, CID field workers etc.) Manage and maintain the logistical operations of the centre ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment is maintained

Experience and Skills

Experience in management with strong networking and communication skills Drivers license is required Experience having worked with people either in active addiction or in recovery Strong logistical and administrative skills The ability to problem solve and find solutions often with scarce resources

Personal attributes

Passion for U-turn's mission and values. Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset. Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

If in Recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behaviour If employed as a Professional - affiliation with a professional board, continued personal development, and access to supervision Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/selfstudy. The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge and skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.

IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person