Destitution Service Manager

Are you passionate about making a difference to people in crisis because of their migration status?  We have an exciting opportunity for a Service Manager to join our Refugee Support Destitution Service based in London. We provide casework, advocacy, practical and emotional assistance to people affected by asylum and immigration issues.  

Our front-line services are delivered by a dedicated team of casework and projects coordinators as well as volunteers. Through effective signposting, referrals, advice, and advocacy support, the team enables our service users to access the assistance they need. 

A day in the life of our Destitution Service Manager

The Destitution Service Manager is responsible for the delivery of all support services from our day centre in East London. The centre provides a heartfelt welcome, food and a range of activities, and connects to our casework offer and other London services.

As our Destitution Service Manager, you’ll manage the day to day running of a day centre for destitute asylum seekers. You'll procure and distribute material support for centre users including vouchers, and gifts in kind. You’ll develop a program of activities for centre users.

You’ll provide direct line management to the Hackney Destitution service, including working with team members to build their casework and project coordination skills and capabilities. You’ll also be an escalation point for complex casework and service delivery issues. 

You’ll manage a compassionate team, oversee impactful projects, and ensure the delivery of holistic, high-quality support to help them navigate life in the UK and achieve their full potential.

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual to manage and develop our front-line services. 

This role might be for you if… 

• You have strong operational management skills, in conjunction with experience delivering client-focused projects and activities to vulnerable people with complex needs. You’ll also ideally have experience in delivering casework to these groups.
• You have excellent communication and relationship building skills, as well as experience liaising with external agencies on a frequent basis. You can also develop and maintain internal and external partnerships to agreed outcomes.  
• You have an in-depth knowledge of rights, entitlements, and agencies in the field of asylum seekers, refugees, and/or other vulnerable migrants.
• You are confident in your ability to prepare, manage and monitor budgets. You’re able to collate, interpret and report on a range of management information.
• You’re a competent people manager and know how to get the best out of a team.  You’ll also be a great team worker. You can actively work alongside others to develop and achieve operational plans.
• You’re comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and can juggle your workload and prioritise responsibilities in line with business objectives.
• You have a commitment to safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Interested? Closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 2^nd March 2025. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after.

Please apply early, as we’ll be reviewing candidates throughout. We reserve the right to close the ad in advance of the published date.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days (per annum).
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Flexible working: We do our best to accommodate your preferred work style.
• Learning & Development: Wide range of career opportunities + comprehensive learning.
• Discounts: Access to Blue Light Discount Card and employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to mental health and wellbeing assistance.
• Team Working: Support our mission in a collaborative team.

At The British Red Cross, we pride ourselves on our diverse workforce, and ensuring we have an inclusive environment for all our staff and volunteers. We remain committed to ensuring our teams can bring their true selves to work without risk or fear of discrimination. We do this through regular data reporting, and the support of our internal Race and Equality Network (REEN), LGBT+ Network, our Disability and Wellness Network (DAWN), Gender Network, Carers Network and Youth Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders