Volunteer & Kitchen Coordinator

The Volunteer & Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and supporting volunteers at Catching Lives. This is a pivotal role in the charity which includes recruitment and induction of volunteers; managing the rota to cover shifts; managing food ordering in response to demand and budget; ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and meets high standard of hygiene; and communicating daily with volunteer teams.

With 100+ volunteers across the Centre and Bookshop, being Volunteer & Kitchen Coordinator calls for excellent organisational and communication skills, along with the ability to offer a friendly and non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness and other issues.

This is a part-time post at 25 hours per week. The working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate and is normally between 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend and evening working.

What we're looking for:

• Experience of providing services to, and communicating with, a diverse range of people (e.g. customers, service users).
• Experience of managing a varied and time-sensitive workload.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• Proven ability to use digital tools for tasks such as communication, scheduling and data entry.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, and to use initiative.
• Able to offer a friendly, non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental ill health and other challenges.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries (training will also be provided).
• Certified in last two years in Level 2 Food Hygiene or willing to achieve this within probationary period (funded by Catching Lives).

Catching Lives supports people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury and East Kent. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. Our day centre is a minute s walk from Canterbury East station. We open every day of the week to provide basic facilities (food, showers, laundry) alongside one-to-one support to help people improve housing, health and social connection. We also run a programme of arts and activities, and host specialist services from partner agencies.