Refugee Integration Worker (Thriving Places Project)

Job Purpose:

Welcome refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Derby, connecting them to the community and supporting their integration through activities, individual assessments, and tailored support plans.

Context of the role.

Upbeat Communities delivers several services to welcome refugees and support them to rebuild their lives. We are looking to recruit an Integration Worker who will offer support to Refugees and Asylum Seekers within our Thriving Places project. Your time will be spent at the Integration Hub in central Derby.

Thriving Places is a 3-year project, funded by the National Lottery, which will provide support to asylum seekers and refugees as they integrate into life in the UK. The project supports people on an individual basis, with the development of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), the provision of integration activities and opportunities for training, skills development and volunteering. The Refugee Integration Worker will work as part of a team and work directly with refugees and those seeking asylum to carry out needs assessments, develop ISPs and support people on their integration journeys.

The successful candidate will have a positive attitude and play an important part in delivering the best possible support to those we work with. You will be committed to, and actively demonstrate, our values, ethos and practices to achieve our vision – to see thriving positive communities where every refugee can contribute and make the most of opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Needs Assessment and Support Plans:

• Carry out Initial Needs Assessments and develop Individual Support Plans (ISPs) with regular reviews.
• Respond to ISPs by liaising with housing providers, GPs, schools, and other relevant services.
• Encourage and support beneficiaries toward integration, independence, and engagement in community activities.

Practical Support and Referrals:

• Provide advice on benefits, housing, health, education, and employment.
• Refer individuals to appropriate services and organisations as needed.
• Facilitate clear and prompt communication with participants, using interpreters when required.

Community Engagement and Delivery:

• Deliver activities and assist with registration at the Integration Hub.
• Support the Derby Team in delivering sessions aligned with ISPs.
• Promote a culture of welcome by engaging with local organisations and networks.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration:

• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes related to support and integration.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Complete all administrative tasks required for the role and organisation.

Team Collaboration and Organisational Contribution:

• Actively participate in team meetings, staff training, awareness events, and fundraising activities.
• Support and guide volunteers in welcoming and assisting refugees.
• Contribute to the overall work of Upbeat Communities.

Ethos and Policies:

• Work in alignment with Upbeat Communities’ Christian values and organisational policies.
• Report regularly to and be accountable to the Line Manager.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Emotional Intelligence & Compassion in Action:
  • Understands the importance of recognising and managing emotions in oneself and others.
  • Recognises the value of care and commitment to making a positive impact in relationships and the community.
• Personal Growth and Empowerment:
  • Acknowledges the importance of feedback and personal growth with a willingness to learn.
  • Understands the importance of providing others with support to make decisions and grow.
• Organisational Skills:
  • Understands the importance of prioritising workload and meeting deadlines under pressure.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Has basic knowledge of email and Microsoft Office tools, with limited practical experience.
• Understanding Refugee Needs:
  • Has a basic understanding of the needs and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
  • Recognises the importance of adapting to change and managing multiple tasks.
  • Recognises issues and seeks guidance to contribute to potential solutions.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Understands the importance of effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Ethics and Inclusivity:
  • Understands the importance of ethical behaviour and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Recognises the value of cultural diversity and the importance of inclusivity.

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous experience working with refugees and asylum seekers.
• Experience in delivering workshops or community events.
• Fluency in a relevant community language.

Additional Notes: This role requires flexibility, as some evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet the needs of the community. A commitment to the organisation’s values of emotional intelligence, compassion, learning, and empowerment is essential.