At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support vulnerable young people in achieving independence.
- Company: Centrepoint, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and a passion for supporting youth.
The predicted salary is between 28754 - 35144 £ per year.
Contract: Maternity Cover (Minimum 11 months) Full Time (37.5 Hours) Salary: £40,501.96 per annum Closing Date: 28.09.2026 Interviews will be held the week commencing 05.10.2026.
Centrepoint is the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity and now the largest provider of Housing First for young people in England, is looking for a Service Manager (Maternity cover) to join the team in our London, Lambeth Service. We help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently. Together with our partners, we support thousands of homeless young people each year.
The role:
- The Service Manager is responsible for overall service delivery and performance management, providing effective leadership to achieve high-quality outcomes for young people and working in partnership with Social Services teams.
- The service operates in accordance with the Housing First for Youth principles, alongside our core organisational values.
- We have a team of 12 Housing First Officers who provide intensive, person-centred support to a cohort of up to 60 young adults with complex needs within the community.
- The management team works standard office hours (9:00am–5:30pm, Monday to Friday) and is primarily based in our Brixton office, with some flexibility to work remotely.
As a Service Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Line management of Housing First Officers and the Deputy Manager
- Managing referrals and strengthening commissioning relationships
- Working closely with other services and managers across the region
- Ensuring young people are supported in a PIE focussed trauma-informed way
- Accountability for reporting and target management
Why join Centrepoint?
In return for your efforts, you’ll receive a competitive salary, excellent training and development, and a host of staff benefits including:
- 25 days of annual leave per year, rising by one day per year to a maximum of 27 days
- Healthcare cash plan (Cover the costs of a wide range of medical treatment including Dental, Optical, Complementary and Alternative therapies).
- Private Medical insurance
- Income protection
- Employer pension contributions of 5%
- Clear career progressions, linked to portfolio work, that enables movement up the pay scale
- Access to Cycle 2 Work loan scheme
- An interest-free travel loan
At Centrepoint we challenge the discrimination within society that contributes to youth homelessness, and we are just as committed to fairness and equality within Centrepoint itself. We are passionate about ensuring all of our colleagues are made to feel included in the work we do and that we value the rich diversity within the organization. We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of homelessness or using young people’s services and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.
Centrepoint’s policy is to recruit, employ and promote people on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed, and to this end, our aim is to ensure that all applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment.
Our approach to applications:
We recognise that candidates may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their applications. While this is absolutely fine, all examples and statements included must be truthful, accurate and based on your own experience. We’re keen to understand your individual skills, experience and motivations, so please ensure your application reflects your own voice.
Service Manager (Maternity Cover) employer: Centrepoint
Centrepoint is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Aldgate, London, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on youth homelessness. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to contribute to life-changing campaigns. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values innovation and social responsibility, all while enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of one of London's most engaging areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Centrepoint.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Centrepoint.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Centrepoint.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Centrepoint. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Centrepoint. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Service Manager (Maternity Cover), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrepoint
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Centrepoint. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!