At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for clients and support staff in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Thames Reach, a leading organisation tackling homelessness in London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in one of the UK's top 100 Best Workplaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 12621 - 12621 £ per year.
Salary £12,621 per annum (Full time equivalent of £31,554 per annum)
Interview date: 02/09/2026
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 Weekend 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 Weekend First Contact Worker to join the Lambeth Assessment Centre Team. Assessment Centres are fast paced services where people are referred in, usually from the street, and rapidly referred on to appropriate longer term accommodation. The services are short stay, and staff provide wrap around support and liaison with several external partners, including physical health, mental health, substance use and housing. Staffed 24 hours to ensure this quick turnaround, they are a key service to ensure people are off the streets and in stable accommodation.
You will:
- Be the first point of contact for clients, contractors and partner services in the project and over the phone
- Update the shift handover to keep the team informed of important and relevant information
- Support staff with ensuring the Health and Safety standards within the building are adhered to
- Support staff with various admin and facilities related tasks to aid the day to day running of the service
- Record and communicate residents’ upcoming appointments and meetings
- Keep on top of a weekly stock take and report back to the admin and facilities lead worker regarding any replenishments
You will be:
- Excellent at communicating and problem solving
- Confident in your ability to support staff
- Competent at using a computer
- Committed to developing your knowledge and skills
- Responsive and flexible to the needs of the clients and team
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. 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 - Lambeth Assessment Centre Weekends employer: Thames Reach Charity
Thames Reach is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Hammersmith and Fulham. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 29 days of holiday and a robust pension scheme, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Join us to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating sustainable outcomes for those experiencing homelessness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Contact Worker - Lambeth Assessment Centre Weekends
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Thames Reach Charity.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Thames Reach Charity!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Thames Reach Charity, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Thames Reach Charity or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace First Contact Worker - Lambeth Assessment Centre Weekends
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Thames Reach Charity:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Thames Reach Charity! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Reach Charity
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
