Refugee Support and Integration Officer

The Support and Integration Team is an integral part of ACH; the ideal candidate will be responsible for providing excellent standards of support, as well as quality information advice and guidance, to enable the resettlement and successful integration of refugees. ACH is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person to join our dedicated support and integration team. This role requires resilience, creativity and a willingness to work flexibly in order to meet the needs of both the organisation and our tenants., Support:

• Completing an initial needs and risk assessment for each person referred to service.


• Providing person-centred and culturally sensitive support to ACH tenants.


• Developing a personalised plan of support for each person and ensuring that the plan of support is reviewed regularly.


• Giving advice and support on a range of issues including housing, finance, education, employment, health and immigration, as required.


• Supporting people with budgeting / registering with care providers / creating social networks / advocacy/ volunteering / training / employment opportunities etc.


• Signposting to other relevant external agencies and referral partners as appropriate.


• Organising and attending group trips to local places of interest for our tenants


• Developing links with external organisations or agencies to promote the needs of refugees and create opportunities for partnership working.


• Effectively managing a designated caseload of tenants, as well as keeping accurate records and maintaining case files to a high standard.


• Fully participating in team meeting, staff meetings, training sessions, supervision and any other relevant forum or communication processes.


• Accompanying our tenants to appointments with statutory and/or voluntary services.


• Organising house meetings and visiting our tenants both at their properties and in the community.


• Completing online or paper forms for employment, welfare benefits etc.


• Any other tasks commensurate with the role.|
  
  Experience of working with asylum seekers or refugees in a voluntary or paid capacity


A commitment and desire to support refugees with their integration in the UK

Experience of providing advice and guidance, advocacy and culturally sensitive support

Experience of creating support plans, completing needs assessments

Experience and knowledge of working with people with complex/multiple support needs

Ability to effectively assess, manage and continuously review needs and risks

Ability to maintain accurate records and manage a caseload

Strong organisational and planning skills

Ability to manage own time, whilst also working within a team

Understanding the importance of safeguarding, in relation to working with vulnerable adults

Confident Microsoft skills - Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

A commitment to Equality and Diversity principles

A commitment to the professional representation of ACH

Knowledge of a community language(s) and/or lived experience of being a refugee

Understanding of the welfare benefits system

Experience of supporting people using assessment and support planning tools

Experience of supporting people to understand their tenancy rights and responsibilities, including housing management issues

Local knowledge and networks, including specialist agencies providing services for refugees in Bristol

Experience of utilising policies and procedures to ensure best practice principles are followed

Knowledge of legislation relating to immigration

Ability to support people to manage budgets and debts

Trained to OISC Level One or willing to undertake relevant immigration training

Due to the nature of this post, an enhanced DBS check will be undertaken for successful applicants, but only with their prior consent

About ACH:

Our vision is to empower refugees and migrants who reside in the UK to lead self-sufficient and ambitious lives.

ACH is a social enterprise comprised of a diverse group of strategists and researchers led by lived experience. We provide tailored integration services that not only help individuals, but also disrupt the systems that have entrenched inequalities in our society.

We have a track record of delivering effective support services that give refugees and migrants the tools they need to succeed. In 2021 alone, we have helped 1000+ people to achieve their personal goals and lead fulfilling lives in their new country.

By working with us at ACH, you will be supporting refugees and migrants to build a better, brighter future.