At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in transitional housing and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Thames Reach, a leading charity tackling homelessness in London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in a top 100 UK Best Workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and IT proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 31554 - 31554 £ per year.
Salary: £31,554 per annum
Location: Brixton
Interview date: 23/06/2026
Whatever your experience of street homelessness and its impact on people’s lives – personal or professional – when you join the Thames Reach team as a First Contact Worker we will make the best use of all your understanding, compassion and commitment.
About us… Thames Reach runs projects and services that help to end homelessness in and around London. We work directly with homeless people on the streets and in hostels. We work to prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless. We help formerly homeless people get their lives back on track. We help people find work and access training and volunteering opportunities. Is our mission easy? No, but we never give up on people. Last year we helped more than 15,000 people. Is our work rewarding? Yes, in every sense. We’re listed as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK. There’s no better place to develop or transfer your skills and build a fulfilling career.
About this role… We are looking for a First Contact Worker to join the Acre Lane Project. Thames Reach’s hostels are transitional spaces where a 24 hour staff team support people to move in, assess their needs, and quickly identify the best place for them to move on to next. Skilled staff teams develop personalised support plans to ensure people are ready to move on and are accessing support with their health, substance misuse, criminal justice and life skills needs.
You will be:
- Overseeing building security and visitor access.
- Arranging repairs and ensuring maintenance logs are kept up to date.
- First contact with visitors and contractors.
- Updating admin files.
- General organisation of stock.
- Providing vital support to staff working directly with clients.
You will have:
- Experience in problem solving.
- Good communication skills - face to face, written and phone.
- Good IT skills including Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Experience in keeping clear and concise records.
- Flexibility - you will be working at two projects.
We are listed in the top 100 UK Best Workplaces 2023 in the UK. As part of a commitment to our employees we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance – 29 days per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata).
- Pension – we contribute 6.5% to your pension when you contribute 1.5%.
- Excellent development opportunities – career progression, regular supervision and appraisals, and learning programmes to support your career with Thames Reach.
- Wellbeing support – our 24/7 employee assistance programme and opportunities for TOIL.
- Life assurance – four times your annual salary and critical illness cover.
- Other benefits including a blue light discount card, interest free season ticket and cycle to work loans.
Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
To apply visit our website and complete our application form. Thames Reach is committed to safeguarding. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not exclude you from applying but you will be asked to provide further details as most posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
First Contact Worker – Acre Lane Project employer: Thames Reach Charity
Thames Reach is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness in London, offering a supportive work culture that values compassion and commitment. With generous benefits including 29 days of holiday, excellent development opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, joining the Acre Lane Project as a First Contact Worker means being part of a team that makes a real difference in people's lives while also fostering your own career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Contact Worker – Acre Lane Project
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Reach. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to problem-solving and communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight these abilities. We want you to feel confident and ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! While we love a casual vibe, it’s important to look professional for your interview. Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable yet polished. First impressions matter, so let’s make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your commitment to joining the Thames Reach team.
We think you need these skills to ace First Contact Worker – Acre Lane Project
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your experiences, whether personal or professional, have shaped your understanding of homelessness.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to tailor your answers to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and communication skills, as these are key for the First Contact Worker role.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Ensure your written responses are clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Reach Charity
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Thames Reach's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in tackling homelessness and how they support vulnerable individuals. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Think about your personal or professional experiences related to street homelessness. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and compassion. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the responsibilities of a First Contact Worker.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Prepare by thinking through how you would handle situations involving building security, visitor access, or supporting clients. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the workplace is the right fit for you.
