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- Tasks: Manage hostel operations, ensuring safety and support for residents in temporary accommodation.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to providing safe housing and support services.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with competitive pay and additional honourarium.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness services and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
12 Months Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity. The Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service currently houses over 3,700 households in temporary accommodation of which two thirds are in Hackney and one third in other local authority areas. It also supports over 4,000 children living in temporary accommodation. The team of 14 dynamic Hackney Hostel Managers ensures building safety and compliance. The successful person will play a crucial role in ensuring that temporary accommodation buildings are compliant with Health and Safety, well maintained, and that residents live in a safe and secure environment. The role is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract / secondment, based at PO1, and includes an additional honourarium payment. Hours of service are on a rota basis: 08:00 – 20:12, Monday–Friday shifts of 08:00‑16:12 or 12:00‑20:12 (usually alternating weeks). Saturday & Sunday 10:00‑18:00 (approx. one weekend every 6‑7 weeks, rest days in lieu).
Responsibilities
- Inducting new residents
- Managing anti‑social behaviour, ensuring Health & Safety compliance, 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 regarding Move‑On options
Skills, attributes and qualifications
- Experience working within the framework of the Homelessness Reduction Act
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to have open conversations about length of stay and move‑on options
- Active and confident with a 'can‑do' attitude
- Committed and flexible, able to respond to varied customer needs and manage expectations
- Empathy for customers who have experienced crises leading to hostel accommodation
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Understanding of health & safety requirements in hostels
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Physical ability to meet the demands of frequent property inspections, navigating multi‑story buildings and climbing stairs in accommodation without lift access
- Proficient spoken English for counselling and advice
Physical and Other Requirements
The role requires frequent property inspections and may involve navigating multi‑story buildings and climbing stairs where lifts are unavailable.
Application Process
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process and therefore do not accept supporting statements or CVs. You will need to create an account, submit your application and complete a number of competency‑based questions. Closing date for applications: 06 April 2026 (22:59). Interview and assessment dates: 23 & 24 April 2026.
Equality and Diversity
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. It also aims to eliminate discrimination or disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome applications from disabled people and encourage flexible working arrangements. If you are thinking about applying, contact Hackney Works for support: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Hostel Manager employer: London Borough of Hackney
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ins and outs of the hostel management role. Research the specific challenges faced in temporary accommodation, especially around health and safety compliance. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with residents who may have experienced crises, being able to have open and empathetic conversations is key. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your 'can-do' attitude! During interviews, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Whether it’s managing anti-social behaviour or coordinating repairs, demonstrating your proactive approach can really impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, make sure to prepare for those competency-based questions—they're your chance to shine and show how you fit the role perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before diving into your application, take a moment to really understand what being a Hostel Manager involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description so you can tailor your answers to show how you fit the bill.
Be Specific in Your Answers: When answering the competency-based questions, don’t just say you have experience—give us specific examples! Share stories that highlight your skills in managing anti-social behaviour or ensuring health and safety compliance. We love a good story!
Show Your Empathy: This role requires a lot of empathy, especially when dealing with residents who have faced crises. Make sure to convey your understanding and compassion in your application. Let us know how you’ve supported others in similar situations before.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you create an account and submit your application there. It’s straightforward, and we promise it’ll be worth it when you see your name on the shortlist!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act and the specific responsibilities of a Hostel Manager. Being able to discuss how you would handle situations like anti-social behaviour or health and safety compliance will show that you're prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role requires a strong sense of empathy for residents who have faced crises. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated understanding and support for individuals in difficult situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess your planning, organisational skills, and ability to work unsupervised. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed similar responsibilities and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job involves varied hours and responding to different customer needs. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. Showing that you can maintain a 'can-do' attitude will resonate well with the interviewers.