About the Role
:
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking for a Welfare Support Officer to join our team. This is an exciting position that works exclusively to support Asylum seekers going 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. As a Welfare Support Officer every day is different, no day is the same. Although this role comes with it challenges it is an extremely rewarding role.
Role Criteria:
1. Support service users at various stages of their asylum application process
2. Address safeguarding and welfare issues appropriately, escalating concerns when necessary
3. Provide both practical and emotional support to service users
4. Monitor wellbeing and identify support needs for individuals and families
5. Ensure accurate record-keeping for Home Office audits and compliance
6. Carry out risk assessments and update support plans regularly
7. Maintain professional boundaries while providing a supportive and empathetic service
8. Assist service users with accessing healthcare, education, and community services
9. Signpost to external agencies and support networks where appropriate
10. Accompany service users to appointments or interviews where required
11. Promote independence and resilience by encouraging service users to develop life skills
12. Work collaboratively with colleagues, local authorities, and partner organisations
13. Respond quickly and calmly to crisis situations to ensure safety and support
14. Contribute to service improvements by sharing feedback and best practice
15. Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
16. Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups
17. Strong understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures
18. Ability to identify needs and put in place appropriate support packages to promote independence
19. Experience supporting people with mental health issues and/or challenging behaviour
20. Effective communication skills with colleagues, service users, and local authorities
21. Experience with record keeping, case management, and risk assessments
22. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks
23. Resilient, supportive, trustworthy, approachable, empathetic, and a good listener
24. Flexible and willing to travel as required
25. Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult or emotional situations
26. Good IT skills for updating case notes and maintaining accurate records
27. Commitment to confidentiality and data protection
28. Full UK driving licence
Benefits we can offer you
29. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
30. Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
31. Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
32. Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more
33. Family friendly policies
34. Company Vehicle and Fuel Card
35. Access to EAP Counselling sessions
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.