Welfare Support Officer

Mears Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate individual to support asylum seekers during their application process. This role involves providing essential practical and emotional assistance, ensuring the wellbeing of service users, and maintaining accurate records for compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience with vulnerable populations, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate empathy and resilience. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for volunteering.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Annual Mears Fun Day

Volunteering Leave

Staff perks with Mears Rewards

Family friendly policies

Company Vehicle and Fuel Card

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups is essential.
• Understanding of safeguarding and ability to identify support needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and emotional support to service users.
• Monitor wellbeing and ensure accurate record-keeping for audits.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable client groups

Understanding of safeguarding

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Empathy and approachability

Tools

Full UK driving license

Job description

“A desire to make a positive difference wherever we operate has always been at the heart of our business. It was 30 years ago when we were a small maintenance contractor with a single van; and it still is now we are a truly national company.”

Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northwest, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. At the end of May 2021 Mears had over 19000 service users across the three regions. Mears work in partnership with central and local Government, registered providers, tenants, landlords and investors to find solutions to homelessness, provide more social and affordable housing and create specialist housing for people with care needs.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will be ensuring service users are supported at various stages of their Asylum application process including any safeguarding and welfare issues. The main duties will include providing practical and emotional support to service users, monitoring service users’ wellbeing and support needs and ensuring all records are updated and accurate for home office audit purposes. It is essential to maintain boundaries and being resilient to ensure a professional and a well-defined service is provided to always meet the needs of the service users.

Role Criteria:

• Experience of working with vulnerable and diverse client groups
• Experience and understanding of safeguarding
• Ability to identify individuals and family need and recognise the required support packages to maintain independence
• To communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to work under own initiative.
• You will be supportive, trustworthy, a good listener, approachable and empathetic to others
• Full UK driving license

All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

Benefits we can offer you:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
• Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more
• Family friendly policies
• Company Vehicle and Fuel Card

As part of the recruitment process for this role, we will carry out a DBS & BPSS check, as well as Security Clearance. For these checks to be completed, we will require from you the relevant identification, including Proof of Address, References, a valid passport and proof that you have lived in the UK for the last 5 years.

If you feel you have skills and experience needed, please apply via the link or contact Beth on [e-mail] quoting the job reference number. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Mears Group recognise our people as our greatest asset. We are committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse associates, consumers, partners, and global communities.

About the company

Mears Group plc is a housing and social care provider.