Current Vacancies

REFUGEE LODGING SCHEME SUPPORT WORKER

Application Deadline

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 29 November
Interview Date: Monday 4 Dec with second interviews on Monday 11 Dec

Please note that we can only accept applications from those who have the right to work in the UK. As we are not registered sponsors under the UK government sponsorship scheme for workers, we are unfortunately unable to help with visa applications.

The role

Refugee Welcome Homes has an exciting new opportunity for a Support Worker to join and work in our team based in Bristol. You will join us on a part-time, 1-year contract, starting in January 2024, working 22.5 hours a week (3 days) and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of between £26,000 and £28,000 pro rata, per annum.

Refugee Welcome Homes is based in Bristol (a City of Sanctuary) and plays an important role in preventing refugee homelessness and ensuring that refugees receive the assistance they require. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

You will be providing high quality direct, person-centred support to single adults with refugee status who have settled in Bristol. This includes helping to prevent or relieve homelessness and then sustain their lodgings and help them with support to integrate into their new lives in the UK.

This role is more than a job, it’s about making a safe home for people who have experienced or are on the cusp of homelessness. We offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive team who care about the way we do things, and work to improve and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Refugee Welcome Homes is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. We warmly welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences and would particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• You will be responsible for responding to enquiries from landlords and lodgers and taking them through our onboarding process.

• You will provide training and ongoing support to maintain the relationship between the landlord and lodger and to support this to be as positive as possible.

• You will deal with any issues arising from the lodging placement. You will support and sign-post where necessary with a focus on engaging with lodgers to advise how to access welfare benefits, education, employment and any additional support that might be required.

• You will be working alongside lodgers, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities in lodgings.

• You will ensure that all general administration including all communication, relationships, database management, etc. is performed well;

ABOUT YOU:

• You will have an understanding of securing accommodation in the private rented sector; with a demonstrable knowledge of Housing and other related Legislation.

• Experience of completing high quality support plans which are collaborative and focused on setting and achieving goals.

• The ability to meet deadlines, achieve targets and manage time effectively, prioritising different areas of work according to need.

• Experience of working collaboratively with a number of different stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sector to improve outcomes for clients.

• The ability to work within a strengths and recovery based model and engage and motivate people to move towards an appropriate level of independence and inclusion.

• You have experience with Refugee Support or vulnerable adults.

• You understand the welfare systems.

• You are EMPHATIC, PATIENT and GOOD LISTENER.

• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.

WHAT'S FOR YOU:

• A comprehensive induction programme

• Flexible working hours (core hours are 10am – 4pm).

• A generous 28 days annual leave (plus paid Bank Holidays).

• A contributory pension scheme: Refugee Welcome Homes will contribute the equivalent of 5% of your annual salary.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• A Driving Licence

• At least 6 months experience as a support worker or direct experience of becoming a refugee in the UK and the support needs required by others in this situation.

The ability to speak a language other than English is very desirable

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 29 November

Interview Date: Monday 4 Dec with second interviews on Monday 11 Dec

Application Process

Please find a full job description and person specification below.

We want you to have the opportunity to really tell us about yourself and explain to us why this opportunity is right for you. All applications will be judged on content, not on format. 

To apply, please provide: 

• A covering letter to tell us a little about yourself and why this position interests you. Tell us what experience, knowledge and skills you have including any practical examples that you may have which meet the Essential Specification and if applicable the Desirable Specifications.

• Optional CV (not an essential part of the application).

To be considered for this role, please send the above information by email to michelle@refugeewelcomehomes.net

Equality, diversity and inclusion are essential values at RWH and we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to have a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring. We welcome applications from the Global majority, those with disabilities and from other under -represented groups.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy

Refugee Welcome Homes requests no contact from agencies or media sales.