Refugee Support Worker

About the Company

The British Red Cross helps millions of people in the UK and around the world to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, disasters and conflicts. We are part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a worldwide network of volunteers and humanitarians committed to alleviating human suffering.

Job Description

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers? The British Red Cross is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Refugee Support Worker to join our team in Leeds. This vital role involves providing essential practical and emotional support to vulnerable individuals and families, helping them to navigate the complexities of life in a new country. You will be at the forefront of our mission, empowering individuals to regain their independence and build a new life with dignity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments of needs for refugees and asylum seekers, developing tailored support plans.
• Provide comprehensive practical support, including assistance with housing applications, welfare benefits, healthcare registration, and educational access.
• Offer empathetic emotional support and signposting to specialist mental health and wellbeing services.
• Act as an advocate on behalf of service users with relevant agencies, including local authorities, housing providers, and immigration services.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and case notes in compliance with data protection policies and organisational standards.
• Actively participate in regular team meetings, supervision, and professional development training sessions.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure holistic support for service users.

Required Skills

• Proven experience working with vulnerable individuals or communities, ideally within a support, advice, or care setting.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing a caseload effectively, and also to collaborate constructively as part of a dedicated team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the capacity to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands.
• Full professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken; additional language skills are highly advantageous.
• A solid understanding of the UK asylum system, welfare benefits, and housing landscape.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Social Work, Psychology, International Relations, Human Rights, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience in a similar refugee or asylum seeker support worker role.
• A valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle for travel within the local area.
• Fluency in a second language relevant to refugee populations (e.g., Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Tigrinya).

Perks & Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Access to an employee assistance programme, offering confidential support and advice.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression within a global organisation.
• A truly supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.
• Access to a range of wellbeing resources and initiatives.

Apply Now