Advice & Support Worker

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title:           Advice & Support Worker

                             Job Share – 35 hours per week

Reports to:        Chair of the Executive Committee

Salary:                NJC Scale 6 point 26 (£22,937); Pro rata 28 hours per week

Fixed term until 31 March 2018. Continuation is subject to funding.

Background:

NICRAS is a Refugee Community Organisation set up in 2002.  As such, the administrator will be working with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of English.

Aim:

The aim of the post is to work in co-operation with the NICRAS Executive Committee to further develop NICRAS as a provider of relevant services and an effective voice for refugees in Northern Ireland.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 1.     Advice Service

The key purpose of the job is to provide an advice and support service to NICRAS members who are asylum seekers and refugees.

1. Provide an impartial and confidential advice, advocacy, information to members in person, on the phone and by email;
2. Keep case notes for those using the Advice Service and ensure these are kept confidential in a secure location;
3. Advocate on members’ behalf, for example by writing letters, making phone calls, complete form;
4. Research individual cases, accessing problems and identifying possible courses of action and provide guidance to members to enable them to decide on their best course of action, based on the information available;
5. Refer and signpost members to other sources of help, for example solicitors, social workers, partner organisations, or special case workers who may represent the member in court or tribunals;
6. Maintain up to date knowledge on changes to legislation, policies and welfare programmes in line with the client group;
7. Maintain up to date knowledge of , and relationships with other organisations and services relevant to NICRAS members;
8. Interpret and explain legal and official documents or the content of letters to members;
9. Produce monthly reports and compile timely statistical reports on casework and issues arising in the work;
10. Work with the Executive Committee to identify current and emerging social policy issues for asylum seekers and refugees;
11. Using the evidence gained in this Post to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services both locally and nationally;
12. Produce information for publications, leaflets, newsletters, and web pages;
13. Secure funding for individuals in need through applying to external funders.
14. Ensure equal opportunities and good practice generally in his/her work

1. 2.     Other duties
   1. Work with volunteer and coordinator.
   2. Represent NICRAS at external meetings as directed by manager.

Members of staff are responsible for the administration tasks associated with their work.  They are also responsible for completing reports as required by funders and the Executive Committee.  Other tasks may be required from time to time, in line with the general responsibilities of this post.

Person specification

Essential

Values and Principles

• Commitment to fairness, impartiality and confidentiality when dealing with clients;
• Treat members professionally and with respect and consideration at all times.
• Work within and maintain and promote the aims and ethos of NICRAS;
• Respect and awareness for the diverse cultures, circumstances and vulnerability of refugees and asylum seekers;
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues around vulnerable adults;
• Commitment to equity and equality.

Experience

1. A minimum of two year’s experience, in a paid or voluntary capacity of generalist advice provision.
2. One year experience of giving Welfare Benefits advice, within the last two years.
3. Familiarity with the Benefits system and the various entitlements relating to Refugees and Asylum Seekers, within the last two years.
4. An understanding of the requirements of confidentiality.
5. Familiarity with services available to Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
6. Awareness of the issues facing refugees in Northern Ireland.
7. Experience of working with vulnerable adults and young people.
8.  Experience of sourcing funding for individuals and organisations.
9. Experience of managing an ongoing caseload on behalf of client

Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrable IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes.
2. Demonstrable ability to relate well to people from different backgrounds.
3. Ability to write clear reports.
4. Good communication skills in particular the ability to speak and write in clear and simple English and to write clear reports.
5. Ability to communicate in simple and straightforward English.
6. A confident telephone manner.
7. A flexible approach to working conditions and able to work in a busy environment.
8. Ability to work on own initiative and good time management skills.
9. Ability to work co-operatively and effectively as part of a team including volunteers.
10. A commitment to Equal Opportunities.
11. A commitment to the Aims and Objectives of NICRAS.

Desirable

1. Familiarity with the Advice Pro recording system.
2. Experience/training in developing and delivering training.
3. Recent experience of working with a Refugee Community Organisation.
4. Recent experience of delivering training/awareness raising sessions
5. Knowledge of the Asylum process.

Qualifications and Trainings

Whilst experience is considered more important than qualifications, the person selected will be expected to have a 3rd level relevant qualification. It is desirable that the person selected will also have Law Centre NI, Advice NI or CAB training in Welfare Benefits Advice and/or Level 1 Immigration Advice.  The selection panel may use one or more criteria from the ‘Desirable’ list for the purpose of short-listing should it be deemed necessary.