Service Lead: Lenzie Gate

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 Simon Community.

Day by day, person-to-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We are here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take 'the next step' towards a positive future. We offer support across a range of service delivery points; Street Outreach teams, Housing First initiatives, Floating Support, Information Hubs, Managed Alcohol Program (MAP), Supported Accommodations, Emergency Accommodation, Rapid Access Accommodation, and our own rented properties. These services are delivered across many local authorities within Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Perth.

We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences to our team. To make a difference, we need to work flexibly, with everyday leadership and a 'can-do' approach. We want to make it right and make it happen – not only for the people we support, but also for each other.

Our #OneTeam ethos is core to who we are, and it means caring for and supporting each other regardless of our role, service or location. Find out more about our services here.

Our Support Services

Job Purpose

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 an energetic and inspiring leader who will support, develop and nurture a dedicated team delivering services to people who have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and stigma.

You will promote a positive and resilient team culture, ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high quality, trauma informed care and support. This role involves guiding the team to respond effectively to challenging situations, including instances when the people we support engage in behaviours that place their physical and mental health at risk.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Service Leader to lead our men’s accommodation team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a 24 hour service, ensuring the delivery of high quality, person centred, trauma informed support.

You will provide strong, values driven leadership to your team, creating a positive and reflective culture where staff feel supported to deliver safe, compassionate, and effective support to people we support.

Trauma-Informed Leadership

• Embed trauma-informed principles across the service, including safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment
• Support staff to understand and respond effectively to trauma and its impact
• Foster a reflective practice culture, including regular supervision and team development
• Ensure approaches minimise re-traumatisation and promote dignity and respect

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of support staff, including recruitment, supervision, and performance management
• Oversee the delivery of a safe, effective, and trauma-informed 24-hour service
• Ensure high standards of support planning, risk assessment, and record keeping
• Promote a culture of psychological safety, respect, and continuous improvement
• Manage staffing rotas, including on-call arrangements and emergency cover
• Monitor service performance, quality, and outcomes, taking action to drive improvement
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with external agencies and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies
• Support the development of people we support’s independence and progression pathways
• Manage budgets and resources effectively

Our Values

Inclusion & Participation

We include everyone in the services and resources they need, regardless of their circumstances and ensure each person's voice and influence are heard and felt in everything that we do.

Personalised & Creative

Each person we support is an individual with unique circumstances, needs and future potential which requires a uniquely tailored response.

Warmth & Regard

We see beyond a person's current or past circumstances, recognising their inherent value, worth and potential as human beings.

Partnership & Collaboration

We know we need to work positively with others to deliver a truly inclusive and personalised approach, improve our response and add value to the experience of the people we support.

Supportive & Ambitious

We encourage and support ambition, building on strengths to foster hope for the people we support as well as deliver growth and development for staff and volunteers.

Person Specification

Training & Qualification

Essential

• SVQ4 in Health & Social Care or willingness to work towards this
• SSSC registered or willing to register

Desirable

• Trauma informed practice
• Naloxone trained
• ASIST / MHFA /SafeTalk trained

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a leadership role within a Social Care setting with the ability to inspire, motivate and guide a newly formed team
• Experience in coaching and mentoring new staff in effective problem-solving, prioritisation, and
• maintaining quality under pressure
• Experience of working in a fast paced environment which requires
• quick decision making
• Experience of providing support to people who are facing extremely difficult circumstances and living with the effects of trauma

Desirable

• Proven track record of working in a multi-agency team
• Ability to build positive networks and connections

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Understanding of the issues faced by people who use services
• Understanding of regulatory requirements including Care Inspectorate, H&SCS and SSSC
• Empowers others to take calculated / informed risks by empowering and building their
• confidence
• Ability to use empathy and relational skills to build positive relationships with our community and colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Well developed de-escalation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong digital skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of harm reduction (substance use)
• Understanding of services that support homelessness across the city
• Knowledge of homelessness including current and future issues facing the sector
• Understanding of homelessness legislation
• Knowledge of welfare benefits entitlements and how to access them
• Knowledge of local health, housing and social care issues

Personal

Essential

• Be a positive person who leads by example
• Be a good colleague and enjoy being part of a diverse team
• Commitment to Simon Community Scotland’s values
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Positive, solution focused approach
• Ability to work under pressure and achieve results
• Willingness to learn to and to drive own development
• Approach that allows delivery of the responsibilities outlined in the job description
• Recognition that we work with people with a wide range of experiences and cultural backgrounds, and we treat them with dignity, respect and kindness.