Administrator (Operations & Finance)

Administrator (Operations & Finance)- The Hope Exchange

Summary

We are looking for an Administrator to join The Hope Exchange team in Cape Town. This is a full-time onsite position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

This position

The Administrator ensures the efficient day-to-day administration, reception, finance support, and operational coordination of The Hope Exchange (THE) and Geoff Burton House (GBH). The role manages resident administration, financial records, invoicing, payments, reconciliations, compliance documentation, reception services, and general office operations.

The Administrator also supports programmes, coordinates operational activities, maintains safety and security processes, manages stock and resources, and supervises support staff to ensure effective service delivery. You will report directly to the Clinical Operations Manager.

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 85% 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.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case-managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close-collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and works-site managers assist clients along the full Life Change journey.

Social Enterprises

Actual work-experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn’s social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Geoff Burton House (GBH)

• To facilitate the GBH application process in collaboration with GBH staff and in accordance with agreed on standards.
• Enter new residents on Sage
• Monthly invoicing on Sage
• Accept and receipt payments
• Allocate payments on Sage and Banking recon

2.General Administration

• To deal with all donations-in-kind in accordance with the processes and standards set
• Supervise the general worker and the security

3. Reception Duties

• Handle all incoming calls and direct calls to relevant department
• Welcome and direct visitors ( together with security)
• Manage the email address

4. Office Duties

• order staff refreshments, cleaning material, stationery
• Prepare requisitions to be signed off by line manager
• Capture all eft payments received on the banking recon (GBH & Donations)

5. Financial Assistance

• Collating and producing requisitions for payments to be made
• Managing and processing of petty cash
• Managing receipts and recognising them against contacts
• Completing and matching tenants payment and invoices, for up-to-date tenant statements
• Invoicing for the Car Wash

Experience and Skills

• Education: Matric certificate
• Relevant qualification in Administration, Office Management, Finance, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year administrative experience.
• Certifications: First Aid Certificate will be an added advantage.
• Skills: - Attention to detail
• Time management
• Problem-solving ability
• Administrative efficiency
• Accountability and reliability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Professional communication
• Initiative and adaptability

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.

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

Work Location: In person