Hostel Support Worker

Web Recruit Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity focused on ending homelessness in Greater London seeks a Hostel Support Worker to provide essential support to rough sleepers. The role includes coordinating services, maintaining client records, and building positive relationships with residents. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, experience with homeless individuals, and knowledge of welfare benefits. The position offers generous holiday, health support, and career development opportunities. Join a values-driven team dedicated to making a difference in their community.

Benefits

Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational health service and free annual eye test

Cycle to Work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Extra day’s leave when moving home

Life assurance (4× salary)

Enhanced maternity and adoption pay

Ongoing training and progression opportunities

Discounts with Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping.
• Knowledge of relevant services.
• Basic understanding of welfare benefits and housing law.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective, client-focused support to residents.
• Access specialist services and build relationships for the best outcomes.
• Complete data entry and keep accurate client records.
• Carry out assessments and deliver casework for clients.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Good organisational abilities

IT skills

Experience supporting people who are homeless

Ability to work with clients who have complex needs

Teamwork

Use initiative

Job description

Overview

Hostel Support Worker – Richmond upon Thames

37.5 hours per week on a Monday to Sunday rota basis. Shifts between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.

About us

We are SPEAR, a charity working tirelessly to end homelessness across South West London and beyond. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring, and we work every day to make that a reality. Our services include street outreach, assessment hubs, supported accommodation, and tenancy support, helping people move off the streets and into safe, secure housing. We take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, building trust and supporting people to achieve long-term stability and independence.

The role

As a Hostel Support Worker, you will join a skilled and experienced team, taking responsibility for delivering hostel-based services and coordinating effective support for rough sleepers with complex needs.

You will provide effective, client-focused support to residents throughout their tenancy, helping them access specialist services and building positive relationships to achieve the best outcomes. The role includes optimising rental income, minimising arrears, completing data entry and keeping accurate client records. You will stay informed about local services, carry out assessments, and deliver casework to support or resettle clients.

You will need strong written and verbal communication skills, good organisational abilities and IT skills. Experience supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping, along with knowledge of relevant services, is important. You should be able to work with clients who have complex needs, work well in a team, and use your own initiative. The role also requires representing SPEAR professionally, maintaining confidentiality, promoting inclusive practice, and having a basic understanding of welfare benefits and housing law.

You’ll be part of a welcoming, values-driven charity committed to ending homelessness and supporting staff wellbeing.

Benefits

• Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays (pro rata), rising by up to five extra days with length of service.
• Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money, and legal advice.
• Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required).
• Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice.
• Season ticket loan – Interest-free loan for annual travel passes.
• Moving house day – Extra day’s leave when you move home.
• Financial security – Life assurance (4× salary) and interest-free emergency staff loan.
• Family-friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options.
• Career development – Ongoing training, learning, and progression opportunities.
• Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services.

Want to know more about the role? Read the full Job Description now!

At SPEAR, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We are facing diverse problems, so we need diverse people to tackle them.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Hostel Support Worker, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.