Home Essential Goods Service Administrator - HOMELINK

Every year we help hundreds of people facing eviction and homelessness into secure housing through provision of interest-free loans to cover the cost of landlords’ deposits and advance rent.

We also help reduce the impact of poverty through our Home Essential Goods Service (HEGS) which, upon referral from a professional body, provides essential goods up to a value of £400 for general items and £600 for carpets (based on need), making a big difference to the quality of life for those who are financially vulnerable.

The cost-of-living crisis means that many people, even those able to find accommodation, often have few possessions, sometimes none at all. These people are often those leaving homelessness, perhaps from sofa -surfing, having been in emergency accommodation or fleeing domestic abuse. The provision of essential household goods, such as a bed or a cooker, helps by improving health and the ability to live with dignity and independence, creating a stable foundation for personal wellbeing and long-term progress.

This role is critical to help clients who might otherwise have to borrow money to buy these items avoid getting into debt.

The role requires up to a maximum of 7-8 hours a week spread across the week. Time spent can be flexible to fit around other commitments.

It is possible to undertake much, if not all, of the work remotely from home. Occasional visits to our office at the House of Friendship, 208 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2NS will be required.

The role involves the following activities:
• Receiving requests for essential items from professional support workers for clients
• Interviewing the clients to ascertain priorities on the phone
• Requesting trustee panel permission to purchase items following HEGS guidelines
• Working with the finance manager to purchase goods and arrange delivery
• Completing the HEGS tracker with the process information
• Helping to provide a quarterly report
• General office administration
• Working with the staff team
• Collecting impact evidence

For more information about the role / an informal chat, please contact Jane Lee our Vice Chair via 01273 921272 or volunteercoordinator@leweshomelink.org.uk