Hostel Manager in London

Hostel Manager in London

London Full-Time 38600 - 43000 Β£ / year (est.) No working from home possible
London Borough of Hackney

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage hostel operations, support residents, and ensure health and safety compliance.
  • Company: Join Hackney Council, a dynamic and diverse organisation dedicated to improving lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, discounts, and a local government pension scheme.
  • Other info: Apply by 31 August 2025; no CVs needed, just showcase your unique skills!
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in homelessness support, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude are essential.

The predicted salary is between 38600 - 43000 Β£ per year.

12 Months Fixed Term Contract Secondment Opportunity.

The Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service currently houses over 3700 households in temporary accommodation of which 2⁄3 are placed in Hackney and 1⁄3 in other local authority areas. We have over 4000 children living in temporary accommodation. We have a team of 14 dynamic Hackney Hostel Managers who manage our temporary accommodation building safety and compliance.

The successful person will play a crucial role in ensuring their temporary accommodation buildings are compliant with Health and Safety, and that the buildings are generally well maintained and residents live in a safe and secure environment.

The Temporary Accommodation Hostels Team is looking to recruit one Hostel Manager at PO1, (and an additional honorarium payment).

Hours of service are on a rota basis: 08:00 - 20:12, shifts are Monday - Friday 08:00 - 16:12 or 12:00 - 20:12 (shifts are split usually alternate weeks).

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 - 18:00 (worked approximately one weekend every 6-7 weeks, with rest days in lieu).

This is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in housing management to utilise and develop their Benefit and Homeless Prevention knowledge to further develop their skills.

Whilst you will be part of a team, we need Hostel Managers who are able to work with a minimum of supervision and take responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the hostel buildings and supporting our residents on their journey to finding settled accommodation.

The role entails: Inducting new residents, managing anti-social behaviour, ensuring the buildings are Health and safety compliant, enforcing Licence Agreement conditions, carrying out voids management and evictions, undertaking daily Site checks, raising, monitoring and following up on repairs, supervision of Hostel Caretakers and provision of support and guidance to customers particularly relating to Move On options.

In particular we are looking for candidates with the following skills and attributes:

Experience of working within the framework of the Homelessness Reduction Act

Excellent communication skills including the ability to converse at ease with customers and have open conversations regarding the length of stay in hostels and move on options.

Active and confident with a \'can do attitude\'

Be committed and flexible

Able to respond to varied customer needs and manage expectations

The ability to show empathy as many customers have gone through a crisis resulting in them being placed in hostel accommodation

Planning and organisational skills are vital to this role

An understanding of health & safety requirements in hostels

The ability to work unsupervised.

Candidates will need to meet the physical demands of the role which requires frequent property inspections, often involving navigating multi-story buildings and climbing stairs in accommodation without lift access.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV\'s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications : 06 April 2026 (22:59).

Interview and assessment date : 20 April 2026.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Hostel Manager in London employer: London Borough of Hackney

Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of residents. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, you'll find ample opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to the vibrant community of Hackney. Join us in our mission to create a place for everyone, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

London Borough of Hackney

Contact Details:

London Borough of Hackney Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager in London

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act and its implications. Understanding this framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the challenges faced by residents.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your communication skills during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed conversations with customers in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations, as this is crucial for a Hostel Manager.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your ability to work independently. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed tasks without supervision, as this is a key requirement for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Hackney's diverse community and the specific challenges it faces. Being knowledgeable about the area and its residents will show your genuine interest in the role and your readiness to contribute positively.

We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager in London

Experience with the Homelessness Reduction Act
Excellent communication skills
Empathy and understanding of crisis situations
Planning and organisational skills
Health and safety compliance knowledge
Ability to work unsupervised
Proactive and positive attitude

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Hostel Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.

Craft Your Responses:Prepare thoughtful responses to the competency-based questions in the application. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in housing management, communication, and problem-solving.

Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your relevant skills such as empathy, planning, and organisational abilities. Make sure to mention any experience you have with the Homelessness Reduction Act and health & safety compliance.

Be Authentic:While it's tempting to use AI tools for assistance, ensure your application reflects your personal voice and authenticity. This will help you stand out as a genuine candidate who is passionate about the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney

✨Show Your Empathy

As a Hostel Manager, you'll be working with residents who may have faced significant challenges. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise and connect with individuals in crisis. Share examples of how you've supported others in difficult situations.

✨Highlight Your Communication Skills

Excellent communication is key for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you effectively converse with customers and manage expectations. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to handle sensitive conversations regarding housing and support options.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities

The role requires proactive problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've successfully managed conflicts or resolved issues, particularly in a housing or community setting. This will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.

✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with health and safety requirements relevant to hostels. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain a safe environment for residents. This knowledge will reflect your preparedness for the role.