People are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Day-by-day, person-by-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We’re here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take ‘the next step’ towards their future.

We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences to our team – including those in recovery and those who have lived through homelessness. To make a difference, we work flexibly, with everyday leadership, humour and a ‘can do’ spirit. We want to make it easy, make it right and make it happen – not only for the people we support, but for each other. We care for and support each other regardless of our role, service or location.

Job Purpose

The Head of Service - Harm Reduction & Service Development will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of innovative and developing services, including Harm Reduction, Digital Lifelines, Human Rights, Recovery, Gambling Harm, the Managed Alcohol Project, and Safer Services (our high-tolerance harm reduction model).

This is a senior leadership role with a national remit, responsible for driving forward service innovation, development and system change. The postholder will lead diverse teams and programmes across the organisation, ensuring that practice is aligned with policy, evidence and organisational values.

You will play a key role in shaping and promoting models of best practice, strengthening partnerships locally, nationally and internationally, and influencing wider systems to improve outcomes for people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantages.

This role will balance strategic development, partnership leadership and oversight of emerging service models, ensuring they are sustainable, impactful and grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred approaches.

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

The Gambling Harms Development Worker is dedicated to engaging and supporting individuals as they navigate gambling-related harms and intersecting challenges of homelessness, substance use, and mental ill health. This role facilitates the development of positive social networks and the practical skills necessary to address complexities in a trauma-informed way.

Embedded within a team of skilled practitioners, the role focuses on creating psychologically safe environments that foster connection, empowerment, and the opportunity for the people we support to influence projects through co-design.

The Development Worker is responsible for delivering person-centred support, promoting a culture of leadership and supporting risk-informed decision-making. Utilising a human rights-based approach, the worker ensures that all individuals have their rights upheld, assisting them in overcoming systemic barriers and accessing pathways required to live a life free from harm.

Operating nationally across Scotland, the Gambling Harms Team provides essential support and upskilling with a primary focus on existing Simon Community Scotland services in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Perth.

In addition to visiting services to engage with the people we support and staff, the team connects with external stakeholders and maintains a presence in community spaces to reach the general public and professional partners.

We utilise a hybrid working model that combines remote flexibility with in-person collaboration. While typical hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, this role requires a high degree of flexibility. This includes a willingness to work unsocial hours and travel across Scotland to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

We welcome people who have experienced gambling harm or have been impacted by someone else’s gambling to apply.

Job Summary

Within this exciting new role, you will support individuals who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Based in Scotland, you will connect with and support people across the country who are impacted by gambling harms. Your work will involve developing and hosting safe, trauma-informed spaces where individuals can access support, engage in meaningful conversations, and better understand the harms linked with gambling.

By working directly with people, you will play a key part in creating supportive environments and fostering lasting connections. Central to your approach will be the delivery of a gendered response to harm; you will have the opportunity to utilise Aila’s (aila-scotland.co.uk) specialised “by women, for women” frameworks, ensuring that your support is tailored to navigate the specific systemic barriers and experiences faced by women in this space.