At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support rough sleepers and help them access vital services.
- Company: Thames Reach, a top-rated workplace dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social impact and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable adults and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35956 - 35956 £ per year.
Salary: £35,956 per annum
Contract: Fixed term until 31/03/2027
Location: Hillingdon
Interview date: 16/06/2026
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 Lead 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 Lead Worker to join the Hillingdon Street Outreach Rough Sleepers Team. The Thames Reach Outreach teams operate across London and help those who are rough sleeping to find routes away from the street. The teams respond rapidly and work flexibly to reach people. Individuals are assessed to identify their support needs and support plans are created, including work to obtain identification, access health services and refer to other specialist agencies, including those offering immigration support.
You will:
- Support the Lead Manager with oversight and co-ordination of the team’s work with rough sleepers in Hillingdon
- Contribute to service development by responding to new developments and trends
- Lead the team’s work with service users who have complex support needs
- Represent the service to partners and stakeholders
- Accurately record all work completed within given timeframes
- Support the team by contributing to data collection, integrity and reporting
You will have:
- A strong commitment to providing a high standard of service
- A good understanding of working with rough sleepers or vulnerable adults and supporting them to access services
- Excellent organisation and time management skills in order to remain strongly outcome focused, with the ability to complete tasks promptly and efficiently
- Good communication skills and confidence in public speaking when representing Thames Reach externally
- The ability to work well within a team
- A mature and thoughtful approach to equal opportunities and diversity in service provision
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.
Lead Worker - Hillingdon Street Outreach Rough Sleepers Team in London employer: Thames Reach Charity
Thames Reach is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness in London, offering a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees. With a generous holiday allowance, excellent development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, staff can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Recognised as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK, Thames Reach fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Worker - Hillingdon Street Outreach Rough Sleepers Team in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Reach. Understand their mission and values, especially how they help rough sleepers. This will show you’re genuinely interested and can help you connect your experience to their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to working with vulnerable adults and rough sleepers. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills and commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to ending homelessness. This is your chance to make a memorable impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Worker - Hillingdon Street Outreach Rough Sleepers Team in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're filling out your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your genuine passion for helping others and your understanding of homelessness. Share your personal experiences or insights that connect you to the role.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to customise your answers to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your organisation and time management skills, as well as your commitment to providing high-quality service. This shows us you’re a perfect fit!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love teamwork at Thames Reach! In your application, mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. This could be in a professional setting or even in volunteer work. It’s all about showing us how you can contribute to our mission.
Follow the Guidelines:Remember, we won’t accept applications that have used AI for the competency questions. Stick to the guidelines and make sure your application is entirely your own work. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you can bring to the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Reach Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Lead Worker and the specific challenges faced by rough sleepers. Familiarise yourself with Thames Reach's mission and values, as well as recent developments in homelessness services. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Whether it's personal or professional, be ready to share relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of street homelessness. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've supported vulnerable individuals in the past, and how those experiences have shaped your approach to this role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Lead Worker, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex support needs. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your public speaking skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Diversity
Thames Reach values collaboration and diversity, so be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and respect different perspectives. Share examples of how you've contributed to a diverse environment and how you plan to support equal opportunities in service provision.
