Summary
U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Homeless Support Centre manager to head up our Johannesburg team in Linden in September 2025.
This is a full-time onsite position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.
This position
The centre provides basic needs services accessible with the Mi-change voucher, along with the daily
opportunity to earn vouchers and attend the group sessions geared at preparing individuals for
recovery. The manager will be responsible for the day to day running of the centre, as well as
representing Ut-turn in the community.
The OT/SW on-site will run a skills-based recovery group programme, preparing individuals for onward
referral to the Work-readiness programme once they can maintain their recovery well enough.
Background
U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.
To help people overcome homelessness we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.
Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 90% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.
Service Centres
U-turn’s Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets in order to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.
Key areas of responsibility
● Oversee effective, safe and ordered service delivery (this includes managing the centre
according to an effective schedule and keeping staff accountable
● Represent U-turn and the work of the centre at community forums and build supportive
relationships in the community
● Ensure health and safety protocols are maintained and adhered to at the centre and
● Address any maintenance issues immediately and ensure the upkeep of the property and
the buildings.
● Manage the centre’s budget and petty cash
● Procure donations and create community networks that will support the centre’s operations (including voucher earning opportunities)
● Data capturing and report writing
● Use and contribute to existing planning and record-keeping systems to ensure continuous
improvement of your areas of responsibility.
Manage all staff placed at the centre.
Experience and Skills
● Experience in operational management
● Experience in leading a team and managing staff
● Experience in working with homeless individuals
● Drivers license
Personal Attributes
Passion for U-turn’s mission and values.
Strong leadership with a collaborative mind-set.
Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Empathetic individual who can maintain emotional boundaries and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with extremely marginalised and disenfranchised individuals.
Creative individual with strong problem-solving skills
Organisational Fit (where applicable)
If in recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behaviour
If employed as a Professional - affiliation with professional board, continued personal development and accessing supervision
Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action
Next Steps
Candidates interested in this position should apply online at The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT
HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Expected Start Date: 2025/09/01
