Centre Assistant CSP006

Vacancy Type

Full Time / Permanent

Location

St Vincent's Centre Newcastle, New Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 2TQ

Salary

£26,227.50

Application Deadline

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Job Advert

About the Role

As a

Centre Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the centre. You will provide excellent customer service to visitors, clients, volunteers, and external partners, while assisting with centre activities, donations, administrative tasks, and volunteer support. This is a varied and hands-on role requiring strong communication skills, organisation, and a commitment to delivering a welcoming and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to general enquiries from customers, clients, managers, suppliers, and external agencies.
• Process requests for support within the centre, including food parcels, hampers, and other assistance.
• Collect, sort, and safely store donations in an organised manner.
• Welcome visitors, clients, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring appropriate sign-in procedures are followed and Health & Safety information is communicated.
• Support the planning, organisation, and delivery of centre activities and sessions.
• Assist with the training, support, and supervision of volunteers.
• Provide support within the café as required.
• Promote the centre and share information about services and activities locally and nationally.
• Undertake a range of administrative duties, including data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, photocopying, filing, shredding, and report preparation.
• Help maintain the cleanliness, presentation, and general upkeep of the centre.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling information relating to staff, clients, customers, and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, operational standards, and SVP policies and procedures.
• Contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all centre users.

About You

Essential Criteria

• Strong customer service experience.
• Experience working in a busy environment with changing priorities and demands.
• Good understanding of safeguarding principles and Health & Safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written, verbal, telephone, and face-to-face communication.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work independently using your own initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Excellent listening skills and a commitment to treating all people with dignity and respect.
• Self-motivated with a positive, proactive, and professional approach.
• Commitment to and understanding of the values and ethos of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP).

Desirable Criteria

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience working within a charity or voluntary sector environment.
• Experience recruiting, training, or supervising volunteers.
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals, including people experiencing homelessness.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Understanding of and experience working with the Deaf community.
• Strong networking and community engagement skills.
• Ability to promote services and build awareness of the centre within the local community.

DBS Requirement

This role is subject to a DBS check.

From time to time, the postholder may undertake regulated activities on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), including:

• Recruitment and management of volunteers aged 14 to 18.
• Regular (more than three times per month) unsupervised teaching, training, instruction, supervision, guidance, or wellbeing support provided to children.
• Activities that constitute regulated activity under current safeguarding legislation.

As a result, this role is eligible for an

Enhanced DBS Disclosure with a Children's Barred List check.Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in communities across the UK. We offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects.

Key Dates & Additional Info

• Closing Date:30th August 2026
• Interviews:7th September 2026

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whilst we ask that staff have sympathy with Christian values,

we celebrate and value people of all faiths or none -diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the role, feel free to contact our friendly HR Team on

0207 703 3030 (option 5).

Please note: If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of your application, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early if we receive a high volume of interest.

About the SVP

The

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)has been a beacon of hope since 1844, part of a vibrant international Christian movement working in 153 countries. We are dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by offering practical, person-to-person support to those in need. Our mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect - serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background.

Join us in making a real difference -

your skills could help transform lives.

Job Profile

Job Profile document