Jobs for the Housing and Homelessness sector in tower hamlets

Introduction to TDS

TDS is a not-for-profit organisation with a clear social purpose: to raise standards in the private rented sector. Established to create a fairer and more professional rental market by protecting deposits and resolving deposit disputes, TDS has since expanded its mission. Today, we invest in a range of additional services and initiatives that further our commitment to improving the sector.

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

Introduction to the Role

We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer (Maternity Cover) to join our expanding Policy and Research department, which also oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation. This is a pivotal role supporting our mission to improve standards in the private rented sector through impactful research, thought leadership, and policy engagement.
The successful candidate will play a key part in delivering our research programme, including overseeing flagship projects like the Voice of the Tenant and Voice of the Landlord surveys, and producing high-quality qualitative and quantitative research.

You will also support the smooth running of the Charitable Foundation’s grant-making and governance activities and contribute to our work influencing policy and practice across the UK’s private rented sector.
This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about housing, with a solid grounding in research and an interest in policy, to join a values-driven organisation delivering real-world impact.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Research
1. Collaborate with external research contractors to deliver the regular ‘Voice of the Tenant’ and ‘Voice of the Landlord’ Survey.
2. Ensure the research findings are widely disseminated through different channels, including events, publications, briefings and digital content.
3. Help identify research gaps and contribute to the development execution of new research projects or commissioning of external research.
4. Conduct proactive desk-based research to identify emerging trends, new policy developments, and partnership opportunities relevant to the Foundation and the sector.
5. Undertake in-house research activities, such as literature reviews, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, where required.
6. Contribute to the drafting and production of high-quality research reports and briefings, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and relevance for policy and practice audiences.

Policy
7. Monitor and analyse relevant legislative and regulatory developments, consultations, and debates, identifying implications for the sector and TDS’s work.
8. Support the development of TDS’s policy positions by preparing briefings, drafting responses to consultations, and summarising evidence from research.
9. Help communicate TDS’s policy insights and positions clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders, partners, and decision-makers.

Charity co-ordination
10. Act as a key point of contact for grant-funded projects, supporting projects to share progress and impact, and identify any support needs.
11. Help to Coordinate the TDS Charitable Foundation’s quarterly Board of Trustee meetings, including preparing board papers, taking minutes, and following up on actions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential characteristics

1. Qualifications and experience
Essential:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience in research, social policy or similar role (or equivalent post-graduate study).
• Knowledge of research design
• Proven track record of producing content to communicate to different audiences.
• Experience of building relationships with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the housing sector or charitable work.

2.  Job Knowledge
Must be able to:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Show an ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate organisational skills to help coordinate multiple projects.
• Utilise strong IT skills including sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Prove ability to write content for different audiences.

3. Communication
Must be able to:

• Work as part of a team;
• Have good interpersonal skills, communicating effectively with colleagues, funded projects and other stakeholders.

4. Equal Opportunities

• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

5. Required behaviour and attitude

• Applicants must be able to:
• demonstrate an affinity for customer excellence
• recognise the importance of fairness in all of our work
• demonstrate how they are making a difference in the work that they do
• is able to articulate the importance of teamwork
• are committed to excellence in all that we do;
• help create a great place to work.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

Hours of the role
35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.

The successful candidate will be working with adults in a residential setting delivering assessments, group sessions and one-to-one therapy to those admitted to the service. The post-holder will offer an intensive, abstinent-based programme with high levels of group therapy and a strong emphasis on aftercare support. The role will include facilitating specialist psycho-educational groups, 12 step, relapse prevention therapeutic groups and individual counselling sessions.

You will work closely with our Supported Housing team and be required to participate in regular team meetings. You will also be required to liaise with external agencies and work creatively to provide the most appropriate treatment plans for clients with complex needs. You may be required to cover occasional evening Aftercare groups.

Main Responsibilities
•  Undertake assessments of people entering the service through various referral sources.
•  Develop, facilitate, and review a group work programme that meets the needs of our clients. These might include dual diagnosis, trauma, cross-addiction, criminal justice issues and various types of substance use.
•  Provide a holistic package of care to people which meets their needs and includes working with colleagues across other teams to help residents with diversionary activities, employment, training, and education.
•  Work with the Supported Housing team to ensure residents are safe, secure, and maintain their tenancies and are prepared to move onto independent living.
•  Provide a range of one-to-one interventions that might include MI, person-centered care, CBT, DBT and trauma work.
•  Manage a caseload of individuals with a wide spectrum of needs.
•  Assist residents to understand the effects and benefits of any medication prescribed for them and the importance of complying with treatment regimes. This might include liaising with pharmacists, doctors, and psychiatrists for monitoring purposes.
•  Provide psychoeducation to raise awareness and understanding of substances and their effects.
•  Provide onward referral and liaison with wrap-around support within SCT to enable our residents to achieve social integration and personal development.

Client Management
•Coordinate and carry out assessments of new residents and the referral and acceptance process, ensuring that each client has a programme appropriate to their needs.
•  Conduct joint 3 and 6-monthly reviews with Supported Housing team colleagues.
•Provide group and individual counselling as required by the service.
•Support residents from admission until completion of treatment.

Operational Support
•Comply with all monitoring and evaluation requirements.

General Responsibilities
•Engage with and inspire people in recovery.
•Ensure a safe and secure environment for residents, free from alcohol and drugs, and free from abusive behaviour and exploitation.
•Ensure that all SCT activities are carried out with due regard to Health and Safety legislation, SCT policies and procedures, as well as good practice.
•Work within the policies and procedures of SCT.
•Implement SCT’s Equal Opportunities Policy, understanding its implication in the development of services to clients.
•Attend regular supervision sessions, both internal and external.
•Attend meetings within and on behalf of SCT as appropriate.
•Undertake other tasks consistent with the post or as delegated by your line manager.

Strategic Excellence
•Be an effective role model, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
•Work collaboratively with the Recovery Hub team.
•Ensure you are kept up to date with developments within the sector, thus enhancing your knowledge and practice
•Capture the outcomes of the therapeutic programme with all monitoring and evaluation methods that are required by your line manager, to capture the impact of SCT work, whilst ensuring the voice of SCT clients are heard.
Qualifications and Experience

ESSENTIAL
•   Educated to degree level or Diploma Level 4 in Counselling.
•Two years’ experience of therapeutic work with: people in recovery, people experiencing homelessness or people with significant trauma histories / adverse childhood experiences.
•   One year’s experience of one-to-one counselling.
•A solid working understanding of CBT, MI, Relapse Prevention techniques and/or other interventions applicable to working with people in recovery.
•Experience in delivering therapeutic group work.
•Experience in encouraging individuals to reflect on their behaviour (consequences and risks), recognise the benefits and potential for change and provide support and encouragement to help residents achieve change positively within an abstinent community.
•Using effective support systems and networks to develop own knowledge and practice.
•Adhere to the principles of confidentiality of information.
•The ability to understand and work with others’ points of view, values and beliefs.
•The ability to change working techniques based on new information or evidence.
•Able to encourage others to express their views, feelings and wishes.
•Contributes positively to debate within the staff team.
•Promotes SCT by their own standards of conduct.
•Encourages, values and respects contributions from other team members.
•Possesses good written and oral communication and IT skills.

DESIRABLE
•Knowledge of local services and geography.
•Knowledge of the addiction, homelessness sector, social housing and the benefits system
•Experience of working with people with complex needs.

Are you a skilled leader with a drive for investment and sustainability in housing?

We're seeking a dedicated Head of Reinvestment and Sustainability to join the St Mungo’s Assets team. This role is crucial in driving forward our investment and sustainability initiatives, ensuring our properties are safe, well-maintained, and ensuring compliance with PAS 2035 and relevant standards.

Reporting to the Director of Property Services, you will lead multiple improvement projects across our diverse housing stock. Your strategic and operational leadership will be key in delivering high-quality properties and improving the lives of our residents. You will work closely with internal teams, residents, and external partners to drive innovation and collaboration within the Reinvestment and Sustainability function.

Additional responsibilities in the role of Head of Reinvestment and Sustainability:

• Lead reinvestment, disposal, energy efficiency, building safety, sustainability, and planned maintenance programmes.
• Prepare capital budgets, revenue forecasts, and programme schedules.
• Oversee the design, procurement, and delivery of construction proposals for planned maintenance programmes.
• Develop effective relationships with partner organisations, including the GLA, Homes England, and Local Authorities.
• Manage projects and contracts for reinvestment and retrofit initiatives.
• Drive design excellence and contribute to policy development related to property design and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory expectations in building and fire safety, landlord health and safety, and energy efficiency.

In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in Tower Hill, London or on site. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building, line management and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations. 

About You
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about enhancing housing standards and sustainability who has the ability to drive impactful reinvestment and retrofit programmes.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven success in managing reinvestment and retrofit programmes with significant budgets, preferably in social housing or local authorities.
• Advanced knowledge of construction, JCT contracts, Building Regulations, and key legislation.
• Expertise in PAS 2035, ECO funding, SHDF, and energy efficiency schemes.
• Hands-on experience collaborating with Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, and Designers to ensure best practices.
• Exceptional team leadership and staff management skills.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Sharp project management, negotiation, and influencing talents.
• Strong financial appraisal and risk management capabilities with a focus on efficiency.
• Relevant qualification (RIBA, RICS, CIOB) or equivalent experience in the built environment.

How to Apply
To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply, please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on Tuesday 23 May 2025

Interview and assessments will be held on 4 - 5 June 2025 

We are working hard to create a diverse and fully inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and we welcome applications from all under-represented groups, particularly Global Majority candidates who are underrepresented at this management level.  

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Are you interested in a career in reinvestment and retrofit project management while working for a leading charity?

We're seeking a dedicated Project Manager to join our Assets team and lead reinvestment and retrofit programmes, driving refurbishment and energy improvements across our properties while ensuring compliance with PAS 2035 and relevant standards and delivering responsive and planned maintenance to St Mungo’s housing portfolio alongside the team.

This role of Reinvestment and Retrofit Works Project Manager is essential to improving our housing stock quality and reducing carbon emissions. Other Key Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Senior Project Manager in ensuring refurbishment/retrofit programmes meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Preparing budgets, forecasts, and programme schedules.
• Overseeing the design, procurement, and delivery of refurbishment/retrofit projects.
• Build relationships with partner organisations, including the GLA, Homes England, and Local Authorities.
• Managing projects and contracts for reinvestment/retrofit initiatives.
• Contributing to organisational strategies in reinvestment, safety, PIE (psychologically informed environments), and sustainability.

In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in Tower Hill, London. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building, line management and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations. 

About you

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about enhancing Decent Homes Standards , working alongside an innovative Property Services Team to improve housing for people experiencing homelessness.

To succeed you should demonstrate the below:

• Qualified in the built environment (RIBA, RICS, CIOB) with experience managing reinvestment and retrofit programmes, budgets, and stakeholders (e.g., QS, Architect, Contractor), ideally in social housing or local authority.
• Skilled in financial appraisal, risk management, value-driven efficiency, and transformational change.
• Experience in design development, environmental standards, and working with Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, and Designers.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced project management expertise or certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP).
• Knowledge of funding applications for retrofit and decarbonisation projects, and construction/technical expertise, including JCT, Building Regulations, and related legislation.

Overall, you will be ready to work collaboratively in a forward-thinking environment where your expertise is valued. In addition, a range of support and training initiatives will be put in place to assist the successful applicant in the delivery of this role.

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website. 

Closing date: 10am on Tuesday 23 May 2025

Interview and assessments will be held on 2 - 3 June 2025 

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities and a sense of belonging.

At the heart of Emmaus Greenwich is our companions. Companion is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and contributes to the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity of work and individually tailored support helps our companions to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence needed to get back on their feet.

Some of the things that we are looking for in our Community Manager:

• The ability to focus on impact and deliver results.
• Experience of planning, developing, and managing support services for clients with support needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of Strength-based practice and Trauma informed care.
• Knowledge and understanding of In-form client management system.
• Experience of managing the performance, learning and development of staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness issues.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity.
• A belief in the potential of each individual and an understanding of the importance of the Community in helping an individual achieve their potential

Some of the things you would be responsible for as a Community Manager:

• Responsible for the admission welcome including assess new referrals, interviewing potential Companions, welfare and care of Companions, their integration into the Emmaus Community and the wider community at large, developing a sense of extended family.
• Lead and implement a culture which provides confidentiality, promotes professional boundaries, protects data, and safeguards Companions, Volunteers and staff.
• To manage support relating to Companion’s needs regarding their daily living requirements, physical and mental health, safety and personal development.
• To assist and encourage Companions to move into independent accommodation where appropriate
• Ensure that effective Safeguarding systems are in place and maintained, acting as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Person, with delegated responsibility for policy development, implementation, and reporting.
• Working in partnership with the Retail Manager, facilitate, encourage, and support companion engagement and training within the social enterprises to ensure they are viable businesses.
• Assist the Multi Site Property and Facilities Manager in the upkeep and maintenance of the Community, to ensure that it provides a pleasant and comfortable home for the Companions, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements.

So, if you hold optimism for change, advocate for social justice and have in-depth understanding of challenges faced by people with experience of homelessness and migration and have a positive “can do” attitude we would love to hear from you. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of trauma informed practice, asset-based approaches, quality assurance frameworks or from a background of supporting vulnerable adults into work; experience of working in partnership with a range of agencies to coordinate activities and initiatives and achieve positive outcomes. 

Senior Housing & Welfare Advice Worker’s post

The Manna Day Centre is a drop-in Centre for homeless and vulnerably housed single men and women. It is run by a team of project workers, under the Director, who are responsible for its smooth operation. Basic Services offered include food, showers, clothing, housing & welfare advice, medical care, and access to laptops. The Centre opens to service users 7 days a week, 8.30am– 1.30pm. The working week for this post is Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm each day.

The Senior Housing & Welfare Advice Worker must have a commitment to homeless people, which includes acceptance and respect. Responsibilities are shared among the team according to needs, skills and aptitudes. The annual salary is negotiable (depending on your experience) ranging from £33,775 to £41,359. Benefits include a pension scheme, travel loans and 25 days annual leave (plus time in lieu of bank holidays worked).

Those applying for this post should have:

Ability to manage a team

Housing & welfare advice experience

Experience of undertaking housing & welfare casework

Ability to prioritise and manage a busy caseload.

Experience of working with homeless & vulnerably housed people.

The closing date for applications for this post is Sunday 8th June 2025.