Overnight Project Navigator
St George’s Crypt - Job Description
Job title: Care Centre Project Navigator
Reporting to: Project Lead
Direct Reports: None
About the Charity:
‘Ending Homelessness, Restoring Lives, and Sharing God’s Love.’
Rooted in Christian compassion, our mission is to ensure that every person in Leeds has access to shelter, support, and dignity - regardless of background - through compassionate care on their journeys out of homelessness.
About Our Employees:
The twin objectives of St George’s Crypt are the relief of hardship and poverty among those living with homelessness, poverty and addiction in the city of Leeds and beyond, and the advancement of the Christian religion for public benefit. Therefore, it is key for the employees and volunteers of the Crypt to be sympathetic to the Christian faith which underpins all our work.
Safeguarding Responsibilities:
-
Enforcing the company’s safeguarding policy.
-
Being alert to and recognising welfare issues, being sure to challenge poor practice.
-
Sharing appropriate information with relevant people.
-
Continually working with the families of residents and service users, sharing information and contributing to plans if a concern is investigated.
-
Ensuring that all staff having contact with children, vulnerable adults and/or their families have received appropriate training on safeguarding issues.
-
To Understand and implement working practices set by the Safeguarding Adults and Children Board.
-
To understand and implement working standards set by the domestic violence and abuse quality mark documentation.
Charity Wide Responsibilities:
-
Model the Christian values of forgiveness and compassion in communicating with all staff, volunteers, and clients.
-
Value and respect the prayer life that underpins the work of the Charity.
-
Recognise the holistic needs of all service users both practical and spiritual and either respond directly or refer as appropriate.
-
Be willing to advocate the Charity to other churches and organisations.
-
Attend training courses and conferences in order to maintain personal development as agreed with Line Manager.
-
Due to the nature of the role and the workplace, the post holder must be over 18 years of age.
Job Purpose:
To be an active member of a team that provides a welcoming and supportive environment for entrenched rough sleepers who require the services offered by St George’s Crypt.
To promote stability, respect and independence, while encouraging clients to take responsibility for themselves and others.
To contribute to the provision of safe and secure accommodation for residents, supporting and facilitating positive transitions into more suitable long-term housing.
Key Job Role Responsibilities and Main Tasks:
Case Load Management
-
Assess individual needs using appropriate assessment tools and support planning processes.
-
Build and maintain positive, professional, and supportive relationships with service users.
-
Provide both practical and emotional support, including acting as a navigator for individuals during their time in emergency accommodation.
-
Signpost and refer service users to external agencies where appropriate, ensuring all actions and outcomes are accurately recorded.
-
Participate in and contribute to multi-agency meetings to support coordinated care and positive outcomes for individuals.
-
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all residents, visitors, and staff.
-
Work in line with all organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
-
Work flexibly as part of a 24/7 rota, including covering shifts across different St George’s Crypt sites if required.
Administration and Record Keeping
-
Maintain accurate, timely, and up-to-date records for residents, volunteers, and service activity.
-
Produce clear written and verbal reports as required for internal and external use.
Communication and Partnership Working
-
Liaise effectively with external agencies, including local authorities, healthcare providers, and benefits services.
-
Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and wider stakeholders to support positive outcomes.
-
Attend team meetings, training sessions, and other professional development opportunities as required.
Trauma-Informed Approach
-
Apply a trauma-informed practice in all interactions, recognising the impact of past experiences on current behaviour and wellbeing.
-
Provide consistent, empathetic support to foster a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment for residents.
-
Participate in training and reflective practice to enhance skills in working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Cleaning & Environmental Management
-
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the accommodation.
-
Ensure adherence to health and safety standards, including hygiene protocols in communal areas, kitchens, bathroom facilities.
-
Support residents in developing personal and communal living skills related to cleanliness and household management.
Cooking Support
-
When required, prepare and provide meals for residents, considering dietary requirements and preferences.
The tasks and responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may be amended according to the needs of the Charity. Employees are expected to work flexibly in responding to external and internal initiatives to support the needs of the Charity.
Person Specification:
Essential Charity Wide:
-
DBS Cleared.
-
Safeguarding training.
-
Flexible attitude towards working arrangements.
-
Professional attitude and approach.
Essential Job Role Specific:
- Strong listening skills, with the ability to fully understand and respond to individual needs.
-
Non-judgemental, empathetic communication style that promotes dignity and respect.
-
Ability to build trust and establish positive rapport quickly with diverse individuals.
-
Confidence in clearly explaining available services, support options, and processes in an accessible way.
-
Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
-
Experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management strategies.
-
Sound knowledge of safeguarding and reporting procedures.
-
Ability to manage conflict effectively, remaining calm and professional under pressure.
-
Skilled in de-escalating challenging, aggressive, or distressed behaviour.
-
Capacity to respond appropriately to emergencies, including mental health crises and substance misuse situations.
-
Practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to assist in maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the service.
-
Basic cooking and food preparation skills.
-
Innovative and creative approach to service delivery.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting vulnerable or marginalised groups, including individuals affected by mental health issues, substance misuse, homelessness, refugees/asylum seekers, or ex-offenders.
-
Knowledge or training in trauma-informed care, with an understanding of how trauma can impact behaviour and engagement.
-
Awareness of substance misuse issues, including harm reduction approaches and available support pathways.
-
Understanding of the underlying causes of homelessness, such as poverty, domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, and addiction.
-
Familiarity with local support services and systems, including housing services, healthcare providers, and community organisations.
-
Ability to work in a multi-agency environment and contribute to multi agency meetings.
-
Basic knowledge of welfare benefits and housing processes (desirable but not essential).