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.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management, leadership, and effective communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to supporting vulnerable communities.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 44000 £ per year.
Salary: £39,518 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week
Location: Clapham – London
Closing date: 08/03/2026
Interview date: 19/03/2026
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. 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 Senior Practitioner to join the Robertson Street Team. 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. 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 ensuring the team have the relevant skills and knowledge to progress move on plans
- Be responsible for directly line-managing the staff team; carrying out inductions, supervisions, probation reviews and appraisals.
- Be reporting incidents to senior management and commissioners and ensure staff are trained and confident in incident response and health & safety protocol
- Be leading on referrals in and out of the hostel and working closely with the Lead Manager & in-house Clinical Psychologist to foster a culture of high performance. Developing and managing partnerships with key agencies across London.
Qualifications
- Experience of delivering outcomes and processes of change
- Experienced in organising the operations of a complex, busy service
- A decisive and effective leader
- An 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 services 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.
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.
For further information please contact, Ruth Shepherd, Service Manager at Ruth.Shepherd@thamesreach.org.uk
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.
Senior Practitioner - Robertson Street employer: THAMES REACH
Contact Detail:
THAMES REACH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Robertson Street
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with current employees at Thames Reach. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Thames Reach’s projects and values. Show us you’re passionate about ending homelessness and how your experience aligns with our mission. We love candidates who are genuinely invested in what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and managing teams. We want to see how you handle challenges and support your colleagues, so be ready to share specific examples from your past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re keen on the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Senior Practitioner position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Robertson Street
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 passion for helping others and your unique experiences that have shaped your understanding of homelessness.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific competencies mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Practitioner at Thames Reach.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or project.
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
✨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, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to develop staff and manage complex situations effectively.
✨Communicate with Compassion
Thames Reach values understanding and compassion. Be prepared to share stories that demonstrate your empathy and commitment to helping vulnerable individuals. This will show that you not only have the skills but also the heart for the job.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.