Advocacy and Casework Coordinator

Play for Progress (PfP) is a trauma-informed, creative charity supporting unaccompanied young people seeking asylum in the UK. Since launching in 2017 from our Croydon base we have worked with 500+ young people to reduce their isolation and re-traumatisation, develop practical and social skills, and improve their wellbeing. At PfP, we tap into the healing power of music, the arts, play and creative therapies to build healthy and resilient relationships that support and amplify the voices of young people. 

PfP works with young people to support their

●  exploration of self-expression through creative arts, music, and therapy

●  development and healing through access to therapy and other 1-2-1 support

●  advocacy needs, tackling barriers to accessing vital support / navigating the asylum
system

The manner of delivery of all programmes is informed and guided by our dynamic Therapeutic Practice.

We are excited to welcome a new member into our diverse and highly experienced collective, which includes musicians, artists, drama therapists, trauma specialists, advocates & ESOL and SEN teachers. If you think you might be interested, please see below for the full JD and person specification. 

It’s really important to us that our organisation reflects the rich cultural blend of the local community in which we’re based and the community that we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all ages, Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, trans and non-binary candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, people with disabilities and people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary.

Job Description: Advocacy and Casework Coordinator

Job Title: Advocacy and Casework Coordinator 

Location: Hybrid (Remote & Croydon) 

Contract Type: Employee (PAYE) 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Hours: 21 hours per week

Rate: £28000 pro rata 

Main purpose of the role 

To provide support and care to the young people who are newly arrived in the country, through vital practical, emotional, casework and orientation support. Through advice, signposting and advocacy work ensuring that these young people can access the help and services they need. 

This position is a PAYEE long- term position. Hours are flexible with the exception of weekly class times (Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-6.30pm). A reasonable spread of hours across the week is necessary so that casework can be responded to in a timely fashion.

Specific duties and responsibilities

Overview:

• Support a number of young people who are in the PfP community, providing high quality holistic support for their transition to adulthood in conjunction with other PfP departments.

• Work alongside the Head of Creative Programmes, Head of Organisational Health and Safeguarding trustee to ensure all young people are safeguarded and any safeguarding issues managed in line with the safeguarding policy.

• Support young people in developing their skills and interests in education, vocation or hobbies, taking an active role in encouraging and supporting their ambitions.

• Oversee the active development of knowledge and understanding in areas relevant to the role and especially in the areas of asylum and refugee law, trafficking and supporting separated children and young people.

• Oversee the planning, preparation and participate in all meetings and events that are related to the support of the young people.

• Coordinate excellent working partnership with social workers, volunteers and other partners’ to provide trauma informed support for each young person.

• Develop and maintain excellent communication with all members of the team and all external partners and supporters.

• Carry out all administrative work required as part of the role such as month end reports, updating young people’s files and documenting meetings on time and in a consistent manner.