About Simon Community Scotland

Simon Community Scotland is the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.

Our vision is for everyone to have a safe place to live with access to the support they need. Every day we help make positive things happen for people facing extremely difficult circumstances.

Everything we do is about and for people: the people we support, our staff, our partners and everyone affected by homelessness.

Our values are built into every area of activity and tell the story of how people remain at the heart of the Simon Community.

Job Summary

The Simon Community is Scotland's leading homeless charity. We are creative and innovative. We get things done with care and compassion that make a difference to our community, being true to our values. We are a community of staff, volunteers and the people that we support.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about changing expectations and experiences of people we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and stigma. They often engage in risk taking behaviours that put their physical and mental health, and their lives at risk. Despite the challenges they face they have incredible resilience, survival skills and a wicked sense of humour. They know what a good, and not so good service looks like.

Job Purpose

To lead and develop 2 small teams across 2 small supported accommodation services that support 8 individuals. This is an opportunity to deliver life-changing and quality services to people affected by homelessness. To create a culture that recognises the team, its strengths, and its roles as leaders in every interaction through professional empowerment and risk-informed decision-making at the front line where it matters.

Works within your discipline to promote and create a culture of real participation, putting the people we support at the heart of what we do and how we do it. Works well with all key partners to develop effective ,sustainable relationships. Ensure people development and engagement to develop and build capacity to support the strategic vision. You will be part of of a wider leadership team who support on average 230 people per week.

Key Responsibilities

Inclusion and Participation

● Builds local partnerships to understand the needs of each service locality 

● Really understands own area of discipline and assists on building and developing insight and understanding of causes and effects of homelessness in Scotland – and causes and effects associated

● Promotes professional autonomy and drives a positive culture which takes ownership of actions

● Creates a culture of shared learning using technology to support our workforce to maximise efficiency and be able to support people better

● Takes a ‘no decision about me without me’ approach to service user involvement

Warmth & Regard

● Leads by example using values, decorum and ethos of SCS

● Thinks and plans operationally ensuring all resources are supported and accountable ● Enables supported intelligent and justifiable risk taking

● Recognises and values everyone (equality and Diversity)

● Takes difficult decisions sensitively and with due regard to others

Supportive & Ambitious

● Able to lead and manage a diverse team, ensuring that you empower and delegate effectively

● Leads and guides the team whilst supporting continuous improvement and development, develops and identifies team leadership capabilities promoting ownership of the vision

● Ensures professional practice in line with National Codes and Standards to drive quality services

Partnership & Collaboration

● Ability to translate evidence into practice and outcomes

● Passionate advocate and committed to supporting people through change positively ● Develops and maintains locality partnerships and networks to support and promote sustainable growth

● Ability to engage and communicate with all key partners positively and with confidence

● Influences but also understands the values and perspectives of others

Personalised and Creative

● Innovative and solution-focused, creating support to enable employees to deliver excellent, quality services

● Excellent people management capabilities that deliver evidence-based outcomes for service users

● Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the service as well as supporting strategic aims

● Demonstrates and promotes resilience in self and employees, especially in crisis situations

● Promotes opportunity for services using communication tools, including social media, to ensure maximum reach

● Covers management on-call

Digital Responsibilities

There are three expectations we have of you. You must:

● Embrace technology in delivering your role,

● Support service users, staff and volunteers to become digitally included, and 

● Play an active role in our social media strategy

Some of the people we support have little experience and knowledge of the internet and using email. You will be expected to help them connect, understand and be safe whilst promoting digital inclusion for people furthest away from the digital age.

Our Management Information system is Netsuite. You will be trained in using Netsuite and its application.

We use various forms of social media to inform, communicate, gather support and share what we do including websites, youtube, Facebook and Instagram. We expect everyone to share what we do through these media outlets and senior staff are expected to create blogs, videos, information pieces and news items.

You must be registered with SSSC-and be prepared to undertake duties associated with a registered manager as and when required. You will uphold the standards and values of the SSSC Code of Practice.
  

Person Specification

Training and qualifications:

Essential:
- SSSC recognised practice qualification
- SVQ 4 Care Services Leadership
- Management at SCQF Level 10, or willing to work towards.

Desirable:
- Trauma, Psychological awareness.
- Good digital skills

Experience:

Essential:

2 to 3 years’ experience of

Leadership within a social care environment supporting people in the community and/or supported accommodation

Able to translate operational aims and objectives into innovative and evidence based outcomes to support better life chances and options Able to lead and direct people to deliver excellent, professional services in line with National Codes and Standards

Managing a team of agile employers and workers in a very fluid environment which requires quick decision making

Desirable:

Demonstrate relevant knowledge of Mental Health issues and the impact on individual’s ability to make positive decisions

Experience of supporting young people who have been looked after and accommodated

Knowledge and Skills:

Essential:

Excellent at managing all resources including time, money and people Good knowledge and understanding of causes and effects of homelessness

Empowers others to take calculated/informed risks by empowering and building their confidence

Effective communicator face to face and in writing and uses effective communications, including social media to promote and influence the service and its activities

Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the service

Good partnership networks

Desirable:
Understanding of trauma, addictions, and mental health

Personal:

Essential:

Is positive, leads by example and influences people in a way which develops others in their leadership capability

Encourages a culture of ownership, accountability and is able to motivate others to build effective teams Is credible and able to influence a professional team by supporting, coaching and mentoring to build professional capacity