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 include:
- 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.