At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing a 42-bed hostel and support clients towards independent living.
- Company: Thames Reach, a top-rated workplace dedicated to ending homelessness in London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to supporting vulnerable communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, operations management, and effective communication.
The predicted salary is between 39518 - 39518 € per year.
Salary: £39,518 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week
Location: Clapham – London
Closing date: 25/05/2026
Interview date: 03/06/2026
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 Senior Practitioner 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. Last year we helped more than 15,000 people. 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 Senior Practitioner to join the Robertson Street Team. Thames Reach’s hostels are transitional spaces where a 24‑hour staff team supports 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. We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day‑to‑day management of a fast‑paced 42‑bed hostel, with a daily focus on moving people on to more independent accommodation.
- Have strategic oversight of move‑on for all clients and ensure the team have the relevant skills and knowledge to progress move‑on plans.
- Directly line‑manage the staff team; carry out inductions, supervisions, probation reviews and appraisals.
- Report incidents to senior management and commissioners and ensure staff are trained and confident in incident response and health & safety protocol.
- Lead on referrals in and out of the hostel and work closely with the Lead Manager and in‑house Clinical Psychologist to foster a culture of high performance.
- Develop and manage partnerships with key agencies across London.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience delivering outcomes and processes of change.
- Experienced in organising operations of a complex, busy service.
- Decisive and effective leader.
- Excellent communicator able to form and maintain effective working relationships with all partners.
- Experienced in directly managing staff, overseeing the management of others and ensuring the service’s finances are well managed.
Benefits
- 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.
EEO Statement
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.
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.
Contact
For further information please contact Elinor Withington, Lead Manager at Elinor.Withington@thamesreach.org.uk.
Deputy Manager (Senior Practitioner) - Robertson Street employer: THAMES REACH
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, a strong pension contribution, and excellent development opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The organisation's focus on employee wellbeing and career progression makes it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager (Senior Practitioner) - Robertson Street
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Thames Reach and its mission! Understanding the ins and outs of what we do will help you connect your experience with our goals. Research our projects and think about how your skills can contribute to ending homelessness.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or at events. They can give you insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like to work with us at Thames Reach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and managing teams. Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your skills in these areas, as they’re crucial for the Senior Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Reach team!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager (Senior Practitioner) - Robertson Street
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for helping others and your understanding of homelessness. Share your personal experiences or insights that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Practitioner role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your leadership and communication abilities, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; explain how they’ve prepared you for this position. Whether it’s managing teams or developing support plans, we want to know how you can contribute to our mission at Thames Reach.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at THAMES REACH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Senior Practitioner and the specific challenges faced in street homelessness. Familiarise yourself with Thames Reach's mission and values, as well as their approach to supporting vulnerable individuals. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences related to managing teams and delivering outcomes in complex environments. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, especially in similar settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you motivate and support your team. Highlight any experience you have in training or developing staff, as this is crucial for the role.
