At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a supportive hostel service and help residents achieve independence.
- Company: Join SPEAR, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in South West London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, career development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with homelessness support and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 € per year.
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.
SPEAR is a charity working to end homelessness across South West London. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring, and our teams work every day to support people into safe, stable accommodation.
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.
About the role- 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- 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
At SPEAR, you'll 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.
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
Hostel Manager employer: Homeless Link
At SPEAR, we are committed to creating a supportive and impactful work environment for our Hostel Manager. Located in Richmond, you will lead a dedicated team in a role that not only offers competitive benefits such as generous holiday allowances and career development opportunities but also allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Join us in our mission to provide high-quality support and foster independence for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend local events, and connect with organisations that align with your values. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find online.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SPEAR and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supporting residents towards independence. Show them you're passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your experience with complex needs and team management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Hostel Manager role. Highlight your experience with homelessness and managing teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've used your skills in real situations. Whether it’s managing a team or handling complex cases, we want to see how you’ve made an impact.
Be Authentic:We love genuine applicants! Share your passion for helping others and why you want to work with us at SPEAR. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of homelessness support services. Familiarise yourself with SPEAR's values and how they align with your own experiences. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in leading staff, ensuring safety, and delivering quality support. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you motivated your team or handled complex challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would explain safeguarding and risk management to someone unfamiliar with the concepts, as this could come up during the interview.
✨Build a Connection
Research SPEAR and its partnerships with local authorities. Be prepared to discuss how you would build strong relationships with these agencies. Showing that you understand the importance of collaboration in supporting residents can set you apart from other candidates.
