Refugee community advocate jobs

We are looking for a strategic, impact-driven Community Programmes Manager – to lead the continued growth and development of our Community Engagement Programme and our Garden Programme in alignment with our recently launched 2030 strategy.

This is a part-time role focused on strategic direction, partnership building, fundraising, and overseeing monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) activities. The ideal candidate will be a confident leader with experience across programme strategy, community development, securing sustainable funding and amplifying user voice.

The Community Programmes Manager will work closely alongside our Community Engagement Manager to inspire local people to make a difference in their communities and influence change. This will be achieved through volunteering opportunities, user-led steering groups, and the scaling up of our advocacy initiatives. You will play a key role in ensuring that Sufra is highly effective at building community and resilience in one of London’s most disadvantaged areas.

In addition, you will oversee the strategic development and long-term sustainability of our Community Garden—a therapeutic and educational space where residents can learn about growing food, nature, and biodiversity.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including –

• Excellent annual leave entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service benefit
• Flexible working
• Opportunities for training and professional development   

This newly created role is part of a strategic restructure designed to strengthen our management team and deepen our impact. As our services have expanded in scope and complexity, we’re dividing a previously broad role Programme Manager) into two part-time positions to bring in more specialist expertise.

As Head of Advice, you will shape the strategic direction of our advice services, ensuring they align with Sufra’s wider mission and are fully integrated into our food aid provision. You’ll be our designated safeguarding lead, support fundraising initiatives and maintain compliance with funder requirements, and lead our efforts to remain a trusted, accredited provider (AQS and IAA).

Working closely with our experienced Advice Service Manager, you’ll also provide strategic oversight of Open ARMs, our programme supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants to access language skills, healthcare, training, and volunteering opportunities—helping them build new lives in the community.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, influence real change, and be part of a passionate, values-driven team. 

About us 

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute.

About the role 

This is a critical role that will work with the newly created Head of Media and Strategic Communications to help deliver an ambitious media strategy, which aims to help secure policy change, improve public attitudes and strengthen our new brand.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and deliver proactive media strategies to support fundraising, services, and policy work, securing coverage to engage target audiences and build the brand profile.
• Be a key member of a high-performing press office by building journalist relationships, handling media requests, drafting press materials, and supervising media volunteers.
• Monitor media coverage, maintain mailing lists, and distribute materials.
• Work with the Senior Stories and Content Officer to find compelling case studies and support refugees to share their stories.
• Produce social media content to inform and engage key audiences.
• Devise marketing plans to support services, influencing work, and brand building.
• Plan, produce, and review marketing and fundraising materials, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with brand guidelines.

About you

You will have extensive experience in media and communications, having worked in a busy press office or PR agency. You are skilled at distilling complex issues into clear, consistent messaging for external audiences and have a proven track record of implementing media strategies across both traditional and digital platforms.

Staff benefits 

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Training & Development 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Pension Scheme 
• Work Life Balance Policies 
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering 
• And more. 

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today. 

Closing date: 11 June 2025.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

HIAS+JCORE stands for a world in which refugees find safety, community, and are welcomed by good neighbours, built on our Jewish values and history of Compassion (Rachamim), Responsibility (Arvut), Solidarity (Shlemut) and Partnership (Gishur). We exist to enable refugees and asylum seekers to flourish as a part of a society free from xenophobia and racism.  

Our organisation came into this form through the joining of forces in 2023 between two organisations: the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE) and HIAS. We are now embarking on our next stage as an organisation having launched our 2024-27 strategy, which outlines exciting plans for growth and development.  

Responsibilities 

Mobilising community groups  

• Build and maintain relationships with synagogues and communal denominations.  

• Work with clergy, synagogues and denominations to develop programmes and content related to refugees, asylum, social cohesion, and xenophobia, including a network of advocates and ambassadors within communities.  

• Develop outreach and recruitment pathways for community members to volunteer in HIAS+JCORE projects and beyond.  

• Develop and pilot a project of community-based volunteering, building relationships with sector partners and Jewish communities to support, resource, and network such groups.  

• Support the coordination between and development of local community projects that engage with asylum seekers and refugees, including Drop Ins, community sponsorship (Welcome Circles), and collections.  

• Where possible, foster interdenominational dialogue and interfaith partnerships.  

Developing and delivering our youth and student work  

• Work with youth movements, students, and community groups to develop programmes and content related to refugees, asylum, social cohesion, and xenophobia.  

• Arrange visits, including with speakers, to campuses and communities.  

• Develop new and innovative programmes in national, campus-wide, and online contexts.  

Developing partnerships across the community  

• Developing relationships with organisations across the Jewish community.  

• Organise high quality, collaborative events, campaigns and projects, including developing both Refugee Shabbat and Refugee Week as key aspects of the communal calendar.  

• Bring together high-quality content for other Jewish community events and activities.  

• Build a network of skilled advocates for refugees and social cohesion.  

Administration and Evaluation  

• Work to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for projects.  

• Provide regular reports for trustees and funders.  

• Work with HIAS+JCORE staff to secure funding for the project, such as through producing reports.  

Other Duties  

• Contribute to HIAS+JCORE communications and campaigns  

• Play a part in and contribute to HIAS’s global community engagement strategy   

• Attend regular team and supervision meetings  

• Other duties as required by your line manager  

About you 

Successful candidates will have…

• Commitment to the organisation's mission, vision and values.  

• Excellent knowledge of the Jewish community, including a solid understanding of synagogues, youth movements, and student culture in the UK.  

• A good understanding of current issues affecting refugees and racial equality in the UK, and a willingness to learn.  

• Excellent community organising and people skills.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to speak in front of audiences.  

• Self-starter that can work independently as well as the ability to work as part of a team.  

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with people from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds.  

• Willingness to work flexible hours and to travel overseas and within the UK.  

• Ability to learn to use new types of technology

• The patience to design programming that caters to the needs of a variety of stakeholders.  

Experience required  

• A track record of successful projects engaging local Jewish communities.  

• Experience running workshops and training.  

• Experience of organising events.  

• Experience of working with young people and volunteers, especially within youth settings within the Jewish community.  

• Experience in budget and project management.  

The Refugee & Migrant Services Caseworker will join the Refugee & Migrant Services Support Team, who work alongside our ESOL team and volunteers to meet clients’ needs as directed by the R&MS Team Leader.  The post is based at our offices in Bedford but will involve some local travel to deliver support and home appointments.  Our team deliver a number of services, including:

• Welcoming and providing holistic integration support to resettled refugee families, empowering them to live independently with less support as time goes on.
•  Providing vulnerable migrants with high quality information and advice, empowering them to make well-informed choices.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Building trust and maintaining positive working relationships with all clients, external agencies and other areas of KAP.
• Systematic recording of all notes and actions related to client support, maintaining up-to-date risk assessments and support plans using our case management system.
• Fulfilling funders’ & commissioners’ reporting requirements; generating statistics, case studies and keeping detailed records.
• Meeting resettled families at the airport and bringing them to their new homes.
• Ensuring clients understand their rights and responsibilities regarding their accommodation, supporting them to fulfil these.
• Supporting clients through advocacy to access; health & wellbeing services, welfare benefits, housing, immigration advice, community events, education, training, volunteering and paid work.
• Assisting resettled families’ children to access education and ensuring appropriate support is in place for them.
• Provide advice and support to resettled families through home appointments in Bedfordshire.
• Provide advice and support to clients both remotely and at in-person meetings

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintaining working practices that reflect the overall ethos and vision of KAP, including following our policies, procedures and code of conduct. 
• Respecting and supporting the whole KAP staff team, contractors and volunteers.
• Taking responsibility for your own workload and your own personal development.
• To actively participate in supervision sessions (1-2-1s, team meetings and annual reviews).
• Attending and being involved in team meetings, training, prayer / worship times and social activities, as well as all personal development meetings, including supervisions and mentor sessions.
• This role may require working occasional evenings and weekends.

In addition to the duties set out in this job description the post holder may at times be required to undertake additional or other duties to meet the needs of King's Arms Project.

Post: Refugee Support and Integration Officer

Department: Support and Integration Team

Reports to: Support and Integration Team Leader

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 5:00

Salary: £26, 521

About ACH:

ACH is a leading provider of resettlement services for refugee and newly arrived communities in the UK, working to resettle refugees through labour market and social integration. We currently work in Bristol, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

Our vision

For all refugees coming to the UK to be successfully integrated into society with access to adequate accommodation, employment and education.

Purpose of job

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.

Key Responsibilities

Support:

· Carrying out Pre Tenancy Assessments for new referrals.

· Carrying out person centred Support Plans tailored to the needs of each individual and reviewing these regularly in line with policy.

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

· 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 residents, as well as keeping accurate records and maintaining case files to a high standard.

· Learning and making use of ACH CRM system to inform effective case management.

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

· Accompanying our residents 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.

· Carrying out Move On Plans and supporting residents to access independent accommodation.

· Any other tasks commensurate with the role.

We are currently looking for dedicated Immigration Advisers (IAA Level 2) to join our growing team to provide immigration advice and casework to destitute migrants. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis for a number of upcoming roles, one of which is a woman only role, so we welcome applications from women. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.

Praxis Community Projects is a dynamic, award-winning human rights charity supporting migrants in crisis or at- risk, ensuring that their essential human needs are met and that they are able to overcome the barriers they face. We provide legal advice and a range of welfare support including group work. We build community, challenge exclusion and discrimination, influence policy, improve services and inspire solidarity with migrants.

The ideal candidates will have an in-depth knowledge of immigration and asylum law, as well as have a good understanding of the challenges faced by migrants with NRPF and those at risk of homelessness. They will be able to step immediately into a busy advice environment that includes independent outreach.

At Praxis, we work to build community, challenge exclusion and discrimination, influence policy and improve services. We played a leading role in exposing the Windrush scandal and advocate and campaign for lasting changes to policy and practice to address the root causes of the issues faced by at-risk migrants.

Praxis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from those with lived experience of migration, and from diverse applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy/maternity leave status.

Please see our website to find out more about our work.

Our Attractive Benefits Package Includes 

· A 35 hour working week including flexible working hours

· A hybrid work model 

· 25 days annual leave, increasing annually to the maximum 30 days (plus paid Bank Holidays) 

· You can buy up to 5 days annual leave each year 

· A defined contribution pension scheme 

· Our employee assistance programme offers counselling and support for you 24/7. 

· A season ticket loan to help you spread the cost of your commute 

If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Recruitment team who will contact you to discuss how we can help.

For further details, please contact Maria Iglesias Head of Operations and Business Development

To apply, send us your CV and cover letter demonstrating your capabilities in relation to each of the points of the job description marked ‘A’. Where relevant use your answers to illustrate how your competencies have helped you to achieve positive results. This will give you the best possible chance to be shortlisted. Applications will only be accepted with a cover letter.

Interviews: Offered on a rolling basis

Start date: Ranging from immediate to TBD.

Be a part of a collective and supportive team by joining the London District.

Our NPNP (New Places for New People) District Lead will help begin and grow new Christian communities (NPNPs) across London, especially with and among people experiencing poverty.

This is an exciting role working with our circuits, pioneers and local leaders to inspire vision, and discover New Places for New People. We value independent thinkers, working on your own initiative, but also those who can work collaboratively with a team, to share, grow and develop ideas dynamically with others.

Why work with us?

A brilliant central office in Westminster, ability to work remotely, great (supportive) colleagues, flexible working, learning and development opportunities, pay, pensions and generous down time, committed to equality diversity and inclusion, and, did we mention the great colleagues?

Take a look at the job description. If this is for you, complete an application form, or give us a shout with any questions about the role.

We're also recruiting a Faith-Rooted Community Organiser (FRCO) to work alongside this role. Check out that role on Charity Jobs too.

At West London Synagogue (WLS), we have made a commitment to helping London’s most vulnerable residents regardless of faith and background. This is achieved through delivering direct services to those who need it most. We have identified asylum seekers and refugees as the core communities in which we can have an impact. 

We work closely with Westminster City Council, as well as local and national organisations to identify where our resources can be best focused, where we can bring added value, and where our teams of volunteers can make a meaningful impact. 

We run 2 drop-ins each month. Our Family drop-in welcomes families with children and of all faiths and ethnic origins who are seeking asylum in the UK. We rely on volunteers to help provide a hot meal, grocery vouchers, toiletries, companionship, and advice for families who have fled life-threatening violence or persecution in their countries of origin. 

As well, as our Family drop-in, we run the monthly 'Rainbow' Group.LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in the UK face the same challenges that most asylum seekers face in the UK. In addition, they face further challenges since their sexual orientation WLS opens its doors once a month to provide a safe space for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers to feel a warm community welcome, to build community together, and to receive vital support whilst living in poverty awaiting a decision on their asylum application. 

At WLS we have recognised the unjust and compounded hardships for asylum seekers who are members of the LGBTQI+ community. We aim to create an environment where asylum seekers of the LGBTQI+ community can feel safe, supported, and comfortable.

We are looking for a committed Project Leader who can drive progress, inspire a team of volunteers and make a positive impact to the lives of everyone who attends our Social Action projects.

• Salary: £34,650 - £41,500 gross per annum at 1.0 FTE.

• Working pattern: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hrs per week), or 0.9 or 0.8 FTE. Flexible working requests will be considered.

• Contract: Permanent with a 6 months probationary period

• Team: UK Legal Team

• Location: This role can be hybrid, or office based. At a minimum, candidates will be required to work from the London office at least 2 days a week, as well as be able to attend ad hoc events and away days in person.

• Reporting to: Head of UK Legal

• Management responsibility: immigration caseworker and pro bono lawyers

Safe Passage International (SPI) is recruiting Immigration Lawyer and/or Immigration Caseworker Supervisor to join our UK Legal Team. We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced and motivated individuals to join the UK Legal and Arrivals Team in its invaluable and ground-breaking work to ensure that safe routes to sanctuary exist and are accessible for all people seeking asylum.

As an Immigration Lawyer/ Immigration Caseworker Supervisor in the UK Legal Team, you will run a caseload of complex family reunion entry clearance applications and appeals, you will also supervise cases of colleagues and pro bono solicitors and volunteers, if appropriate. You will be supported by colleagues in the UK Legal team and work in close collaboration with colleagues in SPI France and Greece as well as with professionals in relevant external organisations.

You will be determined and committed to delivery high quality legal casework supporting asylum seeking children to reunite with family members in the UK. You will be attentive to detail, flexible, efficient and able to work independently and under supervision as part of a small and dynamic team. You will be eager to contribute to the overall missions and values of Safe Passage International and to work collaboratively with other teams in this international and multi-disciplinary organisation.

We value equity and diversity in our organisation and are striving to build a workforce reflective of the communities we work with. We encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, working ages, genders, sex, sexual orientations, faiths (or none), marital statuses (or none) and pregnancy status. We also have full flexible working policies to support people with disabilities and caring responsibilities. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are looking for good immigration casework experience, as detailed in the Person Specification. Experience in a similar role is welcome, but this could also be your first paid position in the charity sector, or you could be returning to work after time out. This position will have a dedicated training budget and you will be supported to grow and develop within your role.

As a refugee charity, we offer a guaranteed interview for people with direct lived experience of seeking asylum who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. If you have first-hand experience of applying for asylum in any country, please let us know in your application.

We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to.

If you are excited by this role and working at Safe Passage International but do not have all the experience you think is needed, please contact SPI Human Resources Team.

How do I apply?

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification and our ‘Application Questions and Guidance’ document below and on our website.

Closing date: Sunday 15th June 2025 at 11.59 pm

BACKGROUND

For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the UK. Our welfare advice team provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing, asylum support and related issues to Westminster residents with refugee and migrant backgrounds who do not have English as a first language and who would otherwise be unable to access vital advice which enables them to avoid destitution, homelessness and food poverty. We deliver this advice as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership through a drop in and outreach at local community venues, and supported by local volunteers many of whom speak community languages.

The post of Appeals Support Advisor is a new post established with the benefit of a grant from Westminster City Council. The post holder will support clients with appeals and reconsideration requests in relation to welfare benefits and housing. This will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service for our clients, many of whom struggle to lodge appeals and reconsideration requests, and to gather evidence in support of their appeals without advice, due to language barriers.  The post holder will deliver advice in community languages, including with the assistance of interpreters, to local residents as part of our partnership work. Most of our clients are refugees, people seeking asylum and others with a refugee or migrant background. The Appeals Support Advisor will work with clients referred from Asylum Aid’s Information and Advice Service (including our weekly drop in) and from other partners in the local community. They will also provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and our volunteers. External supervision will be arranged for the post holder.

The ideal candidate will be resident in or near to the City of Westminster and fluent in one or more community languages. In particular, fluency in one or more of the following is highly desirable: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya.

As this is a new post delivering a specialist appeals and casework service from within our generalist advice team, it offers an exciting opportunity to set up and establish systems for the delivery of this service during the six month fixed term contract, including ensuring that case management processes are established which meet the requirements of our Lexcel quality mark and that clear referral procedures are established with the drop in service and our partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder will:

· Be part of a generalist advice service, with special emphasis on language support, as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), a collaboration of advice agencies Asylum Aid, Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, and Deaf PLUS Westminster Advice Service.

· Provide specialist appeals casework and support to clients who do not speak English as a first language and need to challenge decisions, request  mandatory reconsiderations, internal housing reviews, lodge appeals in relation to welfare benefits and housing.

· Provide ongoing casework support up to the Tribunal stage, including helping clients to gather evidence in support of their mandatory reconsiderations and appeals and preparing for hearings (but not including representation at hearings)

· Where capacity allows, help to deliver generalist face to face and telephone advice and information, in a community language and English, to migrants and asylum seekers on issues related to welfare benefits, housing and asylum support in accordance with Asylum Aid’s contract within the WASP partnership, and taking responsibility for the quality of advice given.

· Provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and to volunteers, supporting the development of their advice skills and ensuring the quality of advice delivered throughout the advice service.

· Maintain a high standard of electronic case records (using AdvicePro) for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and evaluation of the service, and to help identify issues to be raised through policy advocacy.

· Ensure that all casework is conducted in accordance with the Lexcel quality standard, including by establishing case management procedures for the delivery of specialist advice which meet the Lexcel standard, and participate as required in annual Lexcel quality mark audits

· Attend external and in-house training organised by Asylum Aid and regular supervision sessions to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required to help deliver a quality advice service, and to keep up to date with changes in welfare benefits, housing and asylum support law

· Cascade information, changes,  and developments in social welfare law, including learning from external training, to other staff and volunteers who assist with the delivery of the welfare advice service

· Work effectively with partners to provide a seamless service for clients, making and receiving referrals and maintain up to date information about other service providers for the purposes of referrals and signposting. 

· Be responsible for achieving relevant targets for quality and quantity set by the WASP coordinator

· Provide case studies and other information from the work of the advice service to support policy advocacy and strategic legal work in support of Asylum Aid’s vision of fair and dignified treatment of people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants 

· Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

The post holder will need to be able to travel to and within Westminster to deliver advice at outreach locations as well as at a drop-in in or around the Church Street Estate. Travel expenses will be paid to attend locations away from Asylum Aid’s office(s) and the main location of our drop-in service (currently the Church Street library).

Other duties:

• Respect for client confidentiality at all times in line with Asylum Aid’s confidentiality agreements and consent forms. 

• To attend staff meetings as required.

• To undertake other duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.

• To comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, diversity, equity & inclusion, confidentiality and security, as set out in the Office Manual as well the policies of other relevant partner organisations.

Person Specification

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

· At least 12 months’ experience of supporting benefits appeals through to Tribunal stage and Housing Reviews

· At least 5 years’ experience of working face to face with clients to deliver generalist advice in different areas of law including welfare benefits and housing

· Knowledge on a range of issues on which advice may be sought including health and social care, housing and welfare benefits, including a thorough and up to date understanding of social security and welfare benefits legislation and policy  

· Experience of managing a case load

· Knowledge or ability to understand and use relevant legislation

· Have completed Advice UK’s Learning to Advise training or hold the Citizens Advice Generalist Adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification

· Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as a second language spoken by a substantial proportion of the Westminster population, ideally Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya (to a standard that enables accurate advice to be given in the language)

· Experience of working with interpreters in the delivery of advice

· Able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, meet performance targets and take responsibility for their work, while working flexibly within a team environment

· Able to relate to a wide cross section of clients in a non-judgmental way.

· Able to use a range of IT systems and packages confidently and competently to be able to support and encourage others in using online systems and resources to enable them to self-help.

· Able and willing to learn and assimilate new knowledge in a working environment.

· Able to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.

· Able and willing to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.

· Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Asylum Aid service and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

· Good understanding of the needs of migrants and asylum seekers and the issues and barriers that affect them in UK.

Desirable:

· Experience of specialist advice work, including appeals and mandatory reconsiderations

· Friendly, polite, and patient

· Experience of working under a relevant quality mark such as the Advice Quality Standard or Lexcel

· Understanding of the housing and other support available to people seeking asylum who do not have the right to work in the UK

· Experience of working with volunteers

· Experience of supervising other advisers, including volunteers  

· Demonstrable understanding of issues facing vulnerable clients whose English is not the first language and many with mental health problems.

· Lived or learned experience of the difficulties that migrants and refugee communities face when they have to deal with the UK welfare system

· Personal experience and/or Knowledge of the advice process and experience in the areas of either benefits, housing or debt.

· Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening, and questioning skills to understand the needs of others,

· Ability to communicate with other organisations, housing, and welfare departments.

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 9 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your

relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2. Upload your current CV

3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 16 June 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 23 June 2025. We will also ask you to complete a short written task on the day.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

 Arabic speaking Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Psychologist

Salary: £32,076 

Hours of work: 35 hours, 5 days a week

IKWRO –Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is an award-winning charity founded (as the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation) in 2002. As testament to its’ success and in response to huge need, IKWRO has expanded and now provides unique and vital support for women and girls from all Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan (MENA) communities who are at risk of “honour” based violence, child marriage, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, sexual violence and other forms of gender violence.  

IKWRO provides direct services including advocacy and professional counselling. IKWRO opened the UK’s first specialist Middle Eastern women’s refuge. IKWRO is regularly called upon to share expertise with government, academics, and media and to train professionals from bodies such as the police, social services and schools.  

IKWRO has led the recognition of “honour” based abuse and “honour” killing as forms of violence against women and girls. Campaign successes include; the first extradition from Kurdistan-Iraq to the UK of perpetrators of “honour” killing of Banaz Mahmod, the UK’s criminalisation of forced marriage, child marriage, virginity testing and hymenoplasty, as well as the first ever national inspection of policing of “honour” based violence. 

The post-holder will help Arabic speaking women who have experienced Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and “Honour” Based Violence. Working in a confidential setting, counsellors listen attentively to their clients and offer them the time, empathy and respect they need to express their own feelings, to help them overcome their problems and to make appropriate changes to their life.

The post holder must be BACP or UKCP accredited (or equivalent e.g. HCPC) or training to achieve these accreditation

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with clients;
• To undertake high quality direct (assessment and therapeutic) and indirect (consultative, advisory and evaluative) specialist psychological interventions; making autonomous clinical decisions about own professional practice.
• Develops treatment and guidance methods and give guidance using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques;

· To formulate and implement plans of specialist psychological treatment or management of clients’ mental health problems based on an appropriate multi-factorial understanding of the client’s problems and current evidence-based best practice, taking into account the current NICE guidelines.

• Studies psychological factors in the treatment and prevention of mental illness or emotional and personality disorders;
• Maintains required contacts with education or other health professionals, as appropriate, and recommends possible solutions to problems presented;
• Encouraging clients to talk about issues they feel they cannot normally share with others;
• Accepting without bias the issues raised by clients;
• Helping clients towards a deeper understanding of their concerns;
• Attending supervision and training courses;
• Liaising with IKWRO’s staff, counselors and advisors;
• Working to agreed targets in relation to client contact;
• Undertaking group as well as individual therapy on occasions;
• Keeping records and writing reports.

Reporting to: Service Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Baca office, Cambridge, England. The role may require regular travel to locations where Baca’s services are delivered.

Salary: £31,200 per annum for full time hours. Equivalent to £18,720 per annum for 22.5 hours. The role also comes with an allowance of £2,301 (pro rata) for Cambridge cost of living.

Working hours: 22.5 hours a week.

About Baca: Baca is dedicated to supporting young refugees aged 16 to 18. Our mission is to empower these young individuals to become positive, independent contributors to society. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Creative Arts Therapist to join our team and lead the delivery of our arts therapy program.

Overall Purpose: To use creative therapy methods to help young people express their emotions, process their emotional wellbeing, and build inner resilience for a brighter future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead therapeutic interventions using creative modalities (art, dance, drama, or music) to enhance young people's resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team and external partners to deliver comprehensive support.
• Support young people in achieving outcomes such as increased personal safety, improved physical and emotional wellbeing, and greater engagement in education, employment, and social activities.
• Assess emotional health needs and recommend improvements, while sensitively challenging young people to develop positive routines and habits.
• Deliver therapeutic sessions (both 1-to-1 and group) in a safe and secure environment.
• Contribute to team discussions and refer young people to other mental health professionals as needed.
• Enable young people to express themselves creatively and culturally, fostering confidence and resilience.
• Ensure all young people are safeguarded from harm and supported to self-protect.
• Maintain session notes, therapy spaces, and materials, and handle administrative tasks.
• Participate in meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Embrace and practice Baca's Vision, Mission, and Values in daily activities.

Personal Specification:

• A qualified art therapist registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) (or equivalent for your modality).
• Passionate about Baca's mission and values, and able to lead by example.
• Supportive, approachable, responsible, reliable, and personable.
• Organised, creative, practical, and able to manage a varied workload.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to develop key external relationships and work well within a family-like organisational culture.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel across the UK as required.
• Enhanced DBS check required.
• Ability to drive/travel to all locations where Baca’s service is delivered .

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
• Be part of a supportive and dynamic team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you. If suitably strong candidates are shortlisted before the deadline, in-person interviews will take place immediately after shortlisting.

Join us at Baca and help us support young people to rebuild their lives and achieve their dreams!

Make a real difference in Newham: Supported Housing Services Manager

Are you passionate about empowering communities and tackling homelessness head-on? The Renewal Programme is seeking a skilled and passionate Supported Housing Service Manager to lead our dedicated team and deliver life-changing impact.

About Us

For over 50 years, the Renewal Programme has stood alongside Newham’s most marginalised residents. We're a respected local charity supporting people through advocacy, education, housing, and wellbeing. Our mission is rooted in dignity, inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment—inspiring hope and enabling lives to flourish.

Your Role

As Supported Housing Service Manager, you'll lead a trauma-informed, strengths-based housing service for single homeless adults. You'll drive performance, support your team, and ensure residents are equipped with the tools to live independently—managing finances, maintaining tenancies, and building brighter futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful support: Oversee personalised casework, support planning, and use of tools like Outcome Star.

• Lead performance & improvement: Monitor KPIs (move-on rates, tenancy sustainment), refine supervision and quality assurance, and implement our move-on strategy.

• Inspire your team: Foster a positive, proactive, and solution-focused culture.

• Maximise sustainability: Ensure rental income and effective arrears management.

• Strengthen partnerships: Collaborate with commissioners, housing partners, and support services.

• Ensure compliance: Uphold safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management standards.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in supported housing or homelessness service settings

• The ability to effectively lead and inspire a team

• Experience with contract delivery, KPIs, and outcomes-based commissioning

• Strong financial and budgetary skills

• Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice

• A collaborative, values-driven approach and commitment to continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

• Permanent, full-time role (36 hours/week)

• Salary of £45,000 – £48,000, depending on skills and experience

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Cycle & tech salary sacrifice schemes, employer pension, EAP, staff development

• Based across our two supported housing sites in the London Borough of Newham

Please review the full job description and person specification. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Newham Community Renewal Programme proudly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

We can't wait to hear from you!