Resettlement Support Worker

Refugee Support Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to assist Afghan families within the resettlement programme in Reading. The role requires experience in community support, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills. You will coordinate support activities, help clients with various practical needs, and work collaboratively with local authorities and partner agencies. A full driving license and access to a car are essential for this role.

Benefits

Additional Leave: 1 extra day per year of service (up to 5 days)

Pension: 6% employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24-hour confidential support line and access to counselling

Cycle to Work Scheme

Christmas Shutdown: At the trustees' discretion

Welfare Days: 2 per year

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of face-to-face community support experience.
• Understanding of refugee integration challenges.
• Knowledge of the UK welfare benefits system.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate support activities with external partner agencies.
• Provide practical support including welfare, housing, and education.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop Personal Integration Plans.

Skills

Experience supporting marginalised or vulnerable groups

Cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse communities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong time and project management skills

Fluency in additional languages, especially Pashto or Dari

Education

Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., housing advice)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated Support Worker to join our team and provide comprehensive, wrap-around support to Afghan families under the resettlement programme. Some families may have complex needs and will be based in Reading, Wokingham, and West Berkshire.

You will coordinate support activities within RSG and signpost clients to external partner agencies. A full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to travel requirements across the boroughs.

Responsibilities

1. Work collaboratively within the RSG support team to coordinate support activities.
2. Plan and manage pre-arrival arrangements for new families, including reception and orientation.
3. Provide practical support to refugees on welfare, finances, health, housing, life skills, personal safety, parenting, education, and employment.
4. Promote sustainable independent living by helping clients develop essential life skills (e.g., liaising with landlords, understanding benefits, paying bills, preparing for work).
5. Support long-term integration through tailored services and collaboration with other service providers.
6. Conduct risk assessments and take appropriate action.
7. Develop Personal Integration Plans (PIPs) with clients.
8. Deliver support via various platforms (e.g., face-to-face, telephone, email).
9. Liaise with local authorities and partner organisations to ensure coordinated support.
10. Maintain accurate case notes and complete monitoring paperwork to a high standard.
11. Provide written and verbal reports as required.
12. Contribute to service planning and development with the team manager.
13. Attend meetings with local authorities and other organisations.
14. Adhere to RSG and Local Authority policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.
15. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Experience and Skills

• Experience supporting marginalised or vulnerable groups.
• Understanding of refugee integration challenges.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Minimum one year of face-to-face community support experience.
• Experience making referrals to statutory and partner agencies.
• Ability to work within a small team and multi-agency framework.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general IT skills.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Awareness of Afghan refugee resettlement programmes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies (Child Protection, Safeguarding Adults, PREVENT).
• Fluency in additional languages, especially Pashto or Dari.
• Experience providing interpreting support.
• Understanding of equality and diversity legislation.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., housing advice).
• Knowledge of the UK welfare benefits system.
• Experience working with diverse service users.
• Willingness to work occasional unsocial hours.

About Refugee Support Group

Refugee Support Group (RSG) has been providing advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers for over 30 years. In addition to our Reading-based support, advice, and drop-in services, RSG works across Berkshire to assist Afghan families accommodated under the UK Government's resettlement programme. Following growth and expansion, we are seeking to strengthen our team by recruiting a Resettlement Support Worker. This role will help us maintain our client-focused approach, uphold best practices, and ensure compliance with statutory regulations in the delivery of our services. More information about RSG can be found at www.refugeesupportgroup.org.uk.

Additional Benefits

• Additional Leave: 1 extra day per year of service (up to 5 days)
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24-hour confidential support line and access to counselling
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Christmas Shutdown: At the trustees' discretion
• Welfare Days: 2 per year