At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outreach shifts to support rough-sleeping individuals and manage caseloads.
- Company: Join Thames Reach, a dedicated team making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to community representation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping vulnerable individuals find sustainable housing solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience working with vulnerable adults required.
The predicted salary is between 37750 - 37750 £ per year.
We are looking for a Lead Worker to join the City Outreach Team in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Salary: £37,750 per annum.
Contract: fixed term until 20/07/2027 and permanent.
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham.
The role involves leading outreach shifts to support rough‑sleeping individuals across London, assessing support needs, managing caseloads, and coordinating with multi‑agency services.
- Lead regular outreach shifts, responding to referrals to find new clients and quickly build trusting relationships.
- Assess the unique support needs of new clients through a person‑centred standardised process.
- Manage a caseload of clients by devising effective plans to identify the quickest and most appropriate route off the street.
- Assess client risks dynamically and participate in risk mitigations and safeguarding work.
- Represent the team at multi‑agency meetings and case conferences with various professionals.
- Manage a small caseload of Housing First clients, offering support to access and maintain accommodation.
Qualifications and Skills
- A confident and professional approach to representing the team and advocating for clients in multi‑agency meetings.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills, proven within a context of working with vulnerable adults.
- Strong time management and prioritisation skills, and the ability to deploy these independently.
- Experience and knowledge of support strategies to manage a caseload alongside the liaison functions of the role.
- A creative response to rough sleeping and the ability to work imaginatively with clients to plan their end‑to‑street homelessness.
- The desire to work in a busy team and collaborate with colleagues and external partners to achieve quick but sustainable outcomes for our clients.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance – 29 days per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata).
- Pension – contribution 6.5 % to your pension when you contribute 1.5 %.
- Excellent development opportunities – career progression, regular supervision and appraisals, and learning programmes.
- Well‑being support – 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.
Diversity and Inclusion
Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 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.
Safeguarding
Applicants must be willing to undergo pre‑employment screening, including 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.
Lead Worker - Hammersmith and Fulham Outreach and Housing First Team employer: Thames Reach Charity
Thames Reach is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and excellent development opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in Hammersmith and Fulham. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and creativity in tackling homelessness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Worker - Hammersmith and Fulham Outreach and Housing First Team
✨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 Lead Worker - Hammersmith and Fulham Outreach and Housing First Team
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.
