At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a supportive housing 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 committed to social change.
- 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 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
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: SPEAR London
SPEAR is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness in South West London, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous holiday allowances, comprehensive health support, and a commitment to career development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. Join us as a Mental Health Access Worker and be part of a compassionate team that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional advancement.
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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SPEAR and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Hostel Manager role. Highlight your experience with homelessness, staff management, and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about ending homelessness and how your leadership style aligns with our values at SPEAR. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, don’t just list your past jobs. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams or supported individuals in challenging situations. We want to see your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPEAR London
✨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 a great fit for their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff or handled complex issues. This will highlight your ability to lead effectively in a hostel setting.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle safeguarding and risk management scenarios. Practise your responses to these types of questions, as they’ll want to see your thought process and decision-making skills in action.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, try to connect with your interviewers on a personal level. Share your motivations for wanting to work in this field and listen actively to their insights. Building a good rapport can make a lasting impression and show that you’re a team player.
