Annual salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum. Includes company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance.
Location: Causeway Coast & Glens (and other regions).
Contract: Full-time, 6‑month fixed term, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
About the Role
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Welfare Support Officer to join our team. This position works exclusively to support asylum seekers through their right-to-work asylum application process with the Home Office. The ideal candidate will be resilient, trustworthy, caring, a people person, and extremely empathetic to others.
Responsibilities
* Support service users at various stages of their asylum application process.
* Address safeguarding and welfare issues appropriately, escalating concerns when necessary.
* Provide both practical and emotional support to service users.
* Monitor wellbeing and identify support needs for individuals and families.
* Ensure accurate record‑keeping for Home Office audits and compliance.
* Carry out risk assessments and update support plans regularly.
* Maintain professional boundaries while providing a supportive and empathetic service.
* Assist service users with accessing healthcare, education, and community services.
* Signpost to external agencies and support networks where appropriate.
* Accompany service users to appointments or interviews where required.
* Promote independence and resilience by encouraging service users to develop life skills.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, local authorities, and partner organisations.
* Respond quickly and calmly to crisis situations to ensure safety and support.
* Contribute to service improvements by sharing feedback and best practice.
* Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
Qualifications
* Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures.
* Ability to identify needs and put in place appropriate support packages to promote independence.
* Experience supporting people with mental health issues and/or challenging behaviour.
* Effective communication skills with colleagues, service users, and local authorities.
* Experience with record‑keeping, case management, and risk assessments.
* Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks.
* Resilient, supportive, trustworthy, approachable, empathetic, and a good listener.
* Flexible and willing to travel as required.
* Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult or emotional situations.
* Good IT skills for updating case notes and maintaining accurate records.
* Commitment to confidentiality and data protection.
* Full UK driving licence. Aged over 21, licence held for over 3 months, and fewer than 9 points.
* Entitlement to work within the United Kingdom (no visa sponsorship is offered).
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Annual Mears Fun Day.
* Volunteering leave for paid volunteering in the community.
* Staff perks through Mears Rewards: discounts on groceries, holidays, eye‑test vouchers, a share‑save scheme, and more.
* Family‑friendly policies.
* Company vehicle and fuel card.
* Access to Employee Assistance Programme counselling sessions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer and value individuality and equal opportunities for all. We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and hold awards recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
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