Outreach Caseworker

Irara; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Ability to buy additional days

Job summary

Irara is looking for a full-time outreach role based in England, focusing on engaging individuals for voluntary return programmes. The successful candidate will conduct outreach activities, provide non-regulated information and build trust with diverse communities. This role supports informed voluntary decision-making in a culturally sensitive manner.

Qualifications include experience in community outreach, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of the UK immigration context. Benefits include 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays and opportunities for additional leave.

Qualifications

• Experience working in outreach and community-facing roles, ideally in immigration.
• Ability to communicate empathetically and non-judgmentally with vulnerable individuals.
• Proven record of building partnerships across diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to engage individuals eligible for voluntary return programmes.
• Provide non-regulated information and support to individuals making decisions.
• Build relationships with community groups and stakeholders.

Skills

Community engagement

Cultural sensitivity

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

A-level or equivalent qualifications

Degree or equivalent in relevant fields

Job description

Location: Flexible within England – regular travel within a region required. Please specify in your application which counties you are willing and able to travel to.

This is a full time contract, initially for 9 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent.

Role Overview

This role is responsible for engaging with individuals who may be eligible for voluntary return programmes, providing accessible, accurate, and non‑regulated information to support informed voluntary decision‑making.

The role focuses on building trust, facilitating sensitive conversations, and ensuring individuals understand their options in a non-coercive way and without providing judgement or regulated immigration advice.

The role will require regular travel, mainly within the region,to work and build relationships with people from multiple cultures and backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach activities to identify and engage with individuals who may be eligible for voluntary return programmes
• Hold respectful, non‑judgmental, non-coercive and confidential conversations about voluntary return options, ensuring individuals feel heard and supported
• Provide clear, factual, and impartial information about voluntary return processes, available support, and potential outcomes
• Ensure all information provided remains within the scope of non‑regulated advice, signposting individuals to qualified immigration advisers where appropriate
• Support individuals to understand their rights and options, enabling them to make informed, voluntary decisions
• Refer individuals to authorised immigration advisers or legal representatives for immigration advice
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups, charities, and partner organisations to support outreach and referrals
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements
• Follow safeguarding procedures, identifying and escalating concerns where necessary.
• Attend community events, drop‑ins, and outreach sessions to raise awareness of voluntary return support
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to support
• Working within and management of strict budgets
• Any other duties as deemed appropriate

Some evening or weekend work may be required to support community engagement activities.

This role does not provide regulated immigration advice. The postholder must operate within organisational guidelines and refer individuals to authorised advisers for case‑specific immigration advice where required.

Requirements

Essential (these will be used to decide whether to shortlist)

Experience

• Experience working in an outreach, support, or community‑facing role, ideally within immigration, asylum, or refugee sectors.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals, communicating with empathy and being non-judgemental with an awareness of safeguarding principles.
• Experience building partnerships across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse performance data and produce clear, actionable reports.

Skills

• Sound understanding of ethical engagement when working with vulnerable individuals
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the needs of migrants and displaced individuals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to explain complex information in a clear, sensitive, and accessible way
• Understanding of the boundaries of non‑regulated advice and the importance of appropriate signposting
• Strong organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage caseloads effectively
• Determined and can take control, find solutions and prioritise actions with a drive for achieving results
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Happy to both challenge and motivate others
• Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection, and professional boundaries
• Likes to work at pace

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic, respectful, and non‑judgmental approach
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to impartiality
• Resilient and able to manage emotionally sensitive conversations
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic working environment

Education

• A‑level or equivalent level qualifications or at least 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role

Other

• Due to the nature of the role – a full driving licence and use of a vehicle is required

Experience

• Experience in voluntary return programmes, immigration services, or a related field
• Experience handling projects and overseeing service delivery within a regulated or commissioned environment

Skills

• Awareness of voluntary return programmes and associated processes.
• Basic understanding of the UK immigration and asylum context

Education

• Degree or equivalent experience in social policy, migration studies, community development, public services, or a related field

Benefits

• 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service + Bank holidays + the ability to buy up to an extra 5 days a year

You must be eligible to work in the UK and able to pass a security check, including an enhanced level DBS.