Job Advertisement: Community Integration and Welfare Officer

THE North West Migrants Forum is recruiting a Community Integration and Welfare Officer for four years on a fixed term contract. This is an immediate start with a possible further extension for five years.

PLEASE NOTE: Closing date is noon on Friday April 5 2024. Shortlisting of candidates will take place on Monday April 8 2024 with interviews expected to be conducted on Thursday April 25.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO START NO LATER THAN MAY 13 2024.

Responsibilities:

To provide a high-quality support service to black and racialised minoritised clients, to help them integrate and participate fully and meaningfully in the community and wider society, developing successful pathways into training, education and employment as aligned with the individual’s preferences, assets and personal development goals.

The post will require the holder:

To provide advice and support for clients who may need help with any aspect of welfare support, including access to essential services such as immigration information and integration support, filling of benefit application forms, Universal Credit, registration with local/public services such as GP, dentist, schools/college, social housing, EU settlement application forms, writing CVs, etc.

Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with those being supported, based on respect, equality and that promotes independence.
Provide and facilitate effective and meaningful outcomes for those accessing the programme in line with NWMF ethos and values.
Develop a service model that supports and facilitates clients to access a range of opportunities that respond to their training, education and employment needs.
Develop individualised plans with clients around personal development, accessing training, employment and enjoyable/productive meaningful use of time based on the unique attributes, preferences and aspirations of the individual.
Work with colleagues, providing advice and training, collect and manage information to ensure effective delivery of services and to share information and ideas to improve service delivery and liaise with staff on a day-to-day basis to ensure service users are fully supported to integrate into the local community.
Enhance and implement NWMF’s ‘Uniting Communities – Shared Future’ strategic plan, strengthening and creating new partnerships, sign-posting black and racialised minoritised people into participating in various existing and future community initiatives. Interview clients using sensitive listening skills to allow them to explain their circumstances, ensuring that they receive appropriate support.
Assist/support clients with issues arising regarding their journey to integration and ensure effective and appropriate referral mechanisms are in place and signpost clients to other services as Social Services, access to mental health support etc.
Follow up on welfare issues as they arise such as housing, registration with schools, family support and liaise with director of programmes on appropriate action.
Work closely with black and racialised minoritised groups and long-standing communities, providing a link between identified needs of black and racialised minoritised communities and help to encourage a more understanding, welcoming and inclusive community.
Accompany and act as an advocate for, and with, the person in dealing with relevant stakeholders.
Assertively collaborate in development of a robust support plan and ensure that support plan outcomes are focused on the development of a socially valued role.
Ensure all person-specific entitlements and opportunities are utilised to their maximum benefit.

Essential Criteria

Education: A Social Work/Community Development Degree (minimum Level 7) or equivalent relevant qualification as it pertains to this role specifically (human resources, life coaching, person-centred approach, training, education, etc).
Level 1 qualification in Immigration Advice
Level 3 qualification in Generalist Welfare Advice

Experience: A minimum of three years’ experience working in a similar role, for example personal development, life coaching, recruitment, mentoring, education and training.

Three years’ experience of helping people with a range of integration-related services including immigration support and can evidence same.
Have working knowledge of using a trauma-informed approach or have worked in personal development role and can evidence same.
Excellent organisation skills, advocacy skills, interpersonal and communication skills and can evidence the same.
Be self-motivated, positive and able to motivate and inspire others.
Demonstrate a high level of administrative skills, record keeping and use of modern technology.
Be patient, non-judgemental and resourceful.
Being flexible with working hours including evenings and weekends.
Three years’ experience (paid or unpaid) of providing advice – face to face or telephone – gained in the last five years.

Salary: £34,728 gross per annum

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established community organisation in the north west region of Northern Ireland.

Due to the specific requirements of this position, remote working is not available. Applicants should be prepared to work on-site at the North West Migrants Forum’s Derry office five days a week.

For further information on this vacancy, please apply via the link below.

About The North West Migrants Forum

North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) is a registered charity (NIC107318) founded in 2012 to contribute to the development of a peaceful, diverse, prosperous and participative society based on principles of human rights, equality and justice.

NWMF’s vision reflects that of both the Racial Equality Strategy and Together Building a United Community (TBUC). We work openly and accountably and in collaboration with others to achieve our vision. All NWMF work is evidence-based and planned to achieve identified outcomes linked to achieving the organisational aims.

The range of services provided under the Forum’s umbrella is wide and includes all of the following: Advice and orientation services; capacity, self-confidence and skills development; the promotion of integration and participation of black and racialised minoritised communities while challenging racism, prejudice and hate crimes; youth engagement programmes; specific services for people seeking safety and those granted international protection, emergency cash support, the promotion and celebration of cultural diversity.

We recognise that making a career change can be a huge step. We will support you through every step of the recruitment process, from an initial discussion of your goals and aspirations, to the security of your new position.