Job Description

Grade 3 - 29436- 31158 pro rata (inc LW allowance) 1 x Part Time (15 Hours PW) Hostel Based - Hostel Receptionist/Concierge

About Us

The Hostels and HMO Team for London Borough of Havering Currently Consists of 3 Hostels, a Mother and Baby Unit




At the London Borough of Havering's Hostels and HMO Services, we pride ourselves on being an innovative team with a commitment to the needs of homeless adults, children and young people in the borough. With a firm focus on achieving positive outcomes and reducing risk of harm at all times, we work closely with families to support positive changes where necessary.


We are recruiting for an experienced and enthusiastic receptionist/administrator to be the first point of contact and help the Hostels Team to provide support to families living in Homeless Accommodation in the London Borough of Havering.


We are looking for applicants that can demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with both Adults and Children and who have worked in a front facing role.


The Hostels Service provide a Trauma informed Approach when working with our residents and would welcome applications from candidates with empathy and good listening skills.


The role of Hostels Receptionist is busy and fast paced.


The successful applicant should have experience of working re-actively and with a diverse client group.


To provide a high quality service to Hostel and HMO residents who are housed in temporary accommodation with at times complex needs.


Able to manage a diary of appointments for Hostel Officers


Manage Changing Needs of residents and Hostel Service


Provide a High Level of Communication


Maintain a variable and busy schedule


Able to work closely with partnerships and stakeholders


Deliver excellent customer service


Successfully work in a multi-agency setting


Work closely as a Team with all colleagues


Carry out Administrative tasks


Maintain Excel Workbooks


Maintaining facilities, keeping Hostels presentable


Updating records, post and booking appointments


Ordering of Office Consumables, cleaning products and hostel furniture items


You will need a good level of written and spoken communication skills for letter writing, face to face contact, and emails, to be demonstrated through work experience, GCSE or NVQ levels.


Good level of numeracy to be confident with calculations. In this role you will play a key part in the delivery of a highly effective growing service

About You

Candidates will need to evidence experience and knowledge of working with the public


Applicants must be able to work on-site between Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm. Hybrid Working is not offered. Applicants must be prepared to travel to sites within the London Borough of Havering, therefore a car driver would be desirable.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 21/09/25

, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.


You will be notified if your application has been successful. Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .


The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

*About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council .