Damian's Story

Damian is an Engagement and Assessment Worker at our Skylight in Edinburgh. 

"I’ve worked at the front line in Client Services since joining Crisis and I'm part of a team helping people to prevent or end their homelessness. I witness daily, how listening to someone, letting people know about their rights and entitlements and having honest conversations give people an opportunity to transform their despair about their situation into hope."

What has been your proudest moment during your time at Crisis so far?

"Among my proudest moments at Crisis: I get the privilege of meeting people from all different backgrounds and experiences. I get to laugh with and learn from people who show remarkable strength and determination to seek help from Crisis.

I also co-chair the Race Equity Network for staff who are from a racially minoritised background. I am immensely proud of my entire journey thus far in the way that the network has grown in participation and has become a place where more and more staff come together in community to share experiences and let their voices be heard within the workplace."

What does a 'day in the life' at Crisis look for you?

"Working in the Engagement and Assessment (E&A) Team, there is a daily duty where people can drop into the Skylight without appointment to see someone face to face from the E&A Team. When I’m on E&A duty I’m available for whoever comes through our doors. No two people are the same and the day can involve informing people about their housing rights and options, advocacy, signposting and safeguarding. My role involves being honest with people and that can involve giving news that people want to hear and news that people find difficulty in accepting.

When I’m not on duty in addition to having meetings and doing casework with members, I provide duty support when needed, to help manage when there are many people waiting to be seen by the E&A team.

Also, I manage my days to dedicate time to perform my role as chair of the Race Equity Network and meet regularly with my co-chair and Network Support Officer to plan meetings and events for the network."

View our current vacancies