Hostel support worker jobs

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. You will be part of a passionate, skilled team dedicated to ending homelessness. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

Help lead a high-quality supported housing service and make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Join SPEAR as our Hostel Manager and play a key role in supporting residents to achieve stability and move towards independent living.

THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced and motivated manager to lead a 14-bed, 24-hour supported hostel service in Richmond. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the service, ensuring it operates safely, effectively, and in line with SPEAR’s values, while delivering high-quality, trauma-informed support to residents with complex needs.

This is a practical leadership role where you will:

- Lead and manage a team, including a Team Leader and Support Workers
- Ensure safe staffing levels and effective rota management
- Oversee safeguarding, risk management, and incident response
- Drive high standards of service delivery and resident support
- Build strong relationships with local authorities and partner agencies
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, including fire safety and building standards
- Support residents to progress towards independence and move-on opportunities

You will combine operational leadership, staff management, and service development to create a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who:

- Has experience working with people experiencing homelessness or complex needs
- Has managed or supervised staff in a supported housing, hostel, or similar setting
- Has strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and trauma-informed practice
- Can lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
- Is confident managing complex and high-risk situations
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills

YOUR BENEFITS

- Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising to 31 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 (4x 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

Shortlisting Date: 7th August

Vacancy Closing Date: 5th Aug

First Interviews W/C: 12th, 13th and 14th August

Second Interviews W/C: 19th, 20th and 21st Aug

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

About the role:

Too many women are lost in the gap between being offered accommodation and feeling safe enough to accept it, trust it and stay. As our new Assertive Outreach and Transitions Worker, you’ll stand alongside women at this critical point, making sure a move away from rough sleeping feels possible, supported and led by their choices.

Working across the streets, community settings and our Women’s Recovery Service, you’ll begin building relationships with women before they move in. You’ll carry out flexible, trauma-informed assessments, help remove barriers to accommodation and provide steady, practical support throughout the transition into the service.

You’ll also hold a small caseload of women who need a more flexible or assertive approach to remain connected, use their bedspace and sustain their accommodation. Whether you’re advocating for access to health or domestic abuse support, responding to safeguarding concerns or bringing partners together around a woman, you’ll balance safety with dignity, choice and voice.

This is a brand new role with real scope to shape how we support women across the Camden Homeless Pathway. Your persistence, creativity and belief in women’s capacity for change will help prevent avoidable evictions, reduce repeat rough sleeping and give women a stronger foundation from which to recover and move forward. At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you’ll be supported through regular supervision, reflective practice and ongoing learning, with opportunities to deepen your knowledge of trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches and develop your career within our services.

**This role is open to women only. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service and the needs of the women we support.

About you:

• You bring direct experience of supporting women affected by homelessness, rough sleeping and multiple disadvantage, alongside a strong understanding of women-centred practice.
• You know that trust is earned, not expected, and can build meaningful relationships with women whose experiences of trauma, abuse, exploitation or exclusion may make services feel unsafe.
• You can assess and manage risk confidently, respond to safeguarding concerns and make sound decisions without losing sight of each woman’s dignity, choices and voice.
• You’re comfortable working independently across street, community and accommodation settings, while bringing colleagues and partner services together when women need coordinated support.
• You’re persistent, emotionally resilient and creative in your approach, with the organisation needed to manage a caseload and keep clear, timely records.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 9th August at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 18th August at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed.

Homeless Support Worker

Southampton Street Intensive Homeless Hostel

Southampton

42 Hours per week

Rota of 3 days on and 3 days off (8am – 8pm)

Salary Scale: £29,453 per annum for 42 hours per week (FTE £25,947 per annum based on 37 hours per week)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.  The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You'll Make

Southampton Street Intensive Homeless Hostel has a permanent vacancy for a Homeless Support Worker to work in a busy, demanding, but rewarding environment. You will work in SSJ’s 24/7 intensive homelessness accommodation, helping to provide life-skills and housing-related support to individuals with complex needs through a trauma-informed, strength-based approach including structured support planning and guidance.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for an empathetic, flexible, and resilient individual who can adapt to meet the needs of our clients. You will possess a strong sense of humour, emotional intelligence, and a compassionate approach to dealing with individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Ideally, you will have experience or knowledge of working with homeless and vulnerable people in a residential setting or similar environment.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Experience or understanding of working with people with histories of homelessness, mental health problems, and substance misuse.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, substance use, equality and diversity, and safeguarding vulnerable adults. 
• Ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with clients, colleagues, and external partners. 
• Strong literacy and IT skills to maintain case notes, write emails, and update client files. 
• Good time management skills, self-awareness, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times. 
• Ability to deal with difficult and challenging behaviour calmly and effectively. 
• Ability to use initiative in responding to emergencies or unexpected situations. 
• Commitment to harm minimisation, promoting life skills, and offering emotional support.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card 

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website. 

Application closing date: Friday 31st July 2026 

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Trainee Recovery Worker

SSJ&I Alcohol and Drug Service

Southampton

37 hours per week, including evenings and weekends

Part-time roles will be considered

Salary Scale: 20 - 23 (£25,947 - £27,780 per annum)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.  The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You'll Make

Based within the SSJ&I Alcohol and Drug Service in Southampton, you will be part of a team that offers a wide range of vital interventions, including one-to-ones, therapeutic group work, needle exchange, and prescribing interventions to people recovering from challenges with drugs and alcohol.

In this role, you will:

• Support Journeys: Work directly within the service to support a small, identified group of people throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
• Deliver Person-Centred Care: Use a person-centred approach to empower people who want to make changes to their lives, helping them access the interventions that matter most to them.
• Build Connections: Create strong relationships with key partner agencies and stakeholders to support robust joint working relationships and holistic client care.
• Expand Your Reach: As you develop your skills and confidence, you will increase your work outside of the main office, providing needs-led support in community settings and alongside partner agencies.

Who We're Looking For

This role is a fantastic opportunity for growth and is ideal for:

• Emerging Professionals: Anyone looking to start a career within this service area who is excited to learn, develop, and pursue a long-term career in substance use support services.
• People with Lived Experience: People with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use, who can safely use their personal insights to inspire, empower, and support others.
• Flexible Team Members: Someone who can work within a flexible 37-hour working week, which will include evening and some weekend work.

Essential Qualities and Skills

To thrive in this role, you will need to bring or develop the following qualities:

• Core Attributes: You must be self-reflective, highly motivated, and excited to bring your own unique understanding and experience to the team.
• Engagement & Relationships: The ability to engage meaningfully and empathetically with service users, building strong, positive, and collaborative working relationships.
• Boundaries & Risk Management: The confidence to maintain clear, healthy professional boundaries and a solid understanding of the importance of safe risk management.
• Sector Knowledge (or a Passion to Learn): Some understanding—or a keenness to gain an understanding—of the impact of substance use, withdrawal, and the range of interventions and support available to help people improve their quality of life.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Application closing date: This will be a rolling open advert until all vacancies are appointed. 

Interview date: We will be reviewing applications as they are received and contacting shortlisted applicants to offer an interview date. 

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of submission, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Worker (Complex Needs Housing Service) x5
Reference: 368
Salary: £26,000 – £27,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience inclusive of Outer London Weighting (OLW)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Contract: Fixed term 1 Year
Working base(s):
1 person to be based in Ware Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in St Albans Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in Borehamwood Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in Watford Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in Stevenage or Letchworth Wellbeing Centre

About the Service

The Complex Needs Housing Service works as a multi-disciplinary team with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs. The service has been running since 2022 with a dual-district model, however, is now expanding to offer a single district outreach service.

We have roles available in the service in the following areas:

East Herts – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health

St. Albans – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health

Hertsmere – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health

South & West Hertfordshire – supporting women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation in the area with their mental health

North & East Hertfordshire – supporting women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation in the area with their mental health

N.B. Only female applicants will be considered for the two roles working supporting mental health of women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation

The objectives of the Complex Needs Housing Service are to:

• Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• Increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health in, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
• Reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
• Provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/ or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
• Work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consisting of Change Grow Live (CGL), District and Borough councils, housing teams and other professionals.

About the Role

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and housing.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person-centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach in all aspects of the roles.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 29th July at 5pm.
Interviews to be held on Wednesday 5th August at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
N.B. Please quote reference number 368 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.