Housing and Welfare Support Practitioner - Afghan Resettlement Programme
Part-Time | Fixed Term until March 2026
Pay: £18 Umbrella (pro-rata, 3 days per week)
An opportunity of noble purpose arises for a dedicated practitioner to join a small, committed team delivering vital support to Afghan families resettling within the community. This distinguished post calls for an individual of compassion, sound judgement, and steadfast professionalism, able to offer both practical guidance and reassuring presence to households beginning life anew.
The Role
The appointed practitioner shall lead on matters pertaining to housing readiness and welfare support for families arriving under the Afghan Resettlement Programme. Duties include ensuring properties are fully prepared for occupation, welcoming households upon arrival, facilitating tenancy sign-ups, and delivering thorough orientation to both home and locality.
You shall provide advice and assistance regarding welfare benefits, helping families secure the financial entitlements owed to them, while supporting their long-term housing stability. Regular home visits, careful record-keeping, and close partnership with colleagues and community organisations shall be integral to the role. A trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach is essential at all times.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and inspect allocated properties to ensure they are safe, furnished, and ready for occupation.
* Greet arriving families, assist with tenancy agreements, and ensure basic provisions are in place.
* Conduct home visits to assess immediate and continuing housing, welfare, and support needs.
* Provide clear guidance on tenancy responsibilities, utilities, and reporting repairs.
* Assist with applications for all eligible welfare benefits and financial entitlements.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues and local partners to deliver coordinated support.
* Recognise, record, and escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with procedure.
* Maintain accurate case records and an organised caseload, adapting to evolving needs.
* Uphold a trauma-informed, respectful, and culturally aware approach.
Person of Desired Quality
The successful candidate shall possess:
* Strong knowledge of housing and welfare benefit legislation, alongside an understanding of resettlement policy.
* Experience working with refugees or vulnerable communities, and an appreciation of the challenges faced by families evacuated from Afghanistan.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse backgrounds.
* Proven capability in coordinating support with partner agencies and community groups.
* A keen sense of organisation, accuracy in record-keeping, and confidence in managing a varied caseload.
* Sound understanding of safeguarding principles.
* Competence in the use of IT systems for case recording and communication.
* A flexible, adaptable outlook, including willingness to work occasional out-of-hours.
-----------------------------------