At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rough sleepers in Lambeth by assessing needs and creating support plans.
- Company: Thames Reach, a leading charity tackling homelessness in London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to ending homelessness with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 19460 - 19460 £ per year.
Overview
Role: Support Worker – Lambeth Outreach Team
Salary: £19,460 per annum (full time equivalent of £32,434 per annum)
Contract: Fixed term until 31/03/2026
Hours: 22.5 per week
Location: Lambeth
Closing date: 12/10/2025
Interview date: 20/10/2025
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 Support Worker to join the Lambeth Outreach 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.
We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions.
Responsibilities
- Conduct morning Outreach shifts, responding to referrals for people sleeping rough in Lambeth
- Assess the support needs of people found rough sleeping in a person-centred way
- Manage a small caseload of clients and work with them to develop robust plans to end their rough sleeping
- Develop a broad knowledge of local, regional and national support strategies
- Work alongside partner agencies to ensure that clients have the necessary support to access and sustain accommodation
- Work within databases to accurately record completed work
Requirements / What you will have
- Enthusiasm and motivation to provide a person-centred, responsive service to people with experience of rough sleeping and homelessness
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to form and maintain effective working relationships with clients and partners
- Determination to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients
- Strong organisation skills, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines
- The ability to work autonomously as well as part a team
- Good IT skills with the ability to use Outlook, online recording systems, Excel, and Word, using a computer and a smart phone
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
Diversity and inclusion
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.
How to apply
To apply visit our website and complete our application form.
For further information please contact, Sam Cogan, Lead Manager at Sam.Cogan@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.
Support Worker - Lambeth Outreach Team in City of London employer: THAMES REACH
Thames Reach is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness in London, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 29 days of holiday, a strong pension contribution, and extensive development opportunities, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers. Join us in Lambeth, where your efforts will directly contribute to transforming lives and building a more inclusive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Lambeth Outreach Team in City of London
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Support Worker - Lambeth Outreach Team in City of London
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to THAMES REACH! 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
✨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.
