Migrant and Welfare Advisor 9 views

Job Description

About the role

The postholder will provide specialised and tailored advice to clients where either their No Recourse status, or complex benefits issues are acting as barriers to them resolving their homelessness. This will be achieved through one-to-one support sessions, drop in advice sessions and advocacy with external organisations. The Migrant and Welfare Advisor will provide a holistic casework support to clients subject to immigration control who do not have access to public funds. They will use their in-depth knowledge of working with No Recourse clients, to assess and refer to suitable accommodation options, including Asylum Support accommodation, host accommodation and NRPF beds (where available). They will also hold responsibility for assessing care and support needs, making care act assessments (where relevant) and supporting clients to access strength-based opportunities, e.g. cycling workshops or other.

The Migrant and Welfare Advisor will also provide advice to clients with complex benefits issues. This may include challenging DWP decisions (via mandatory reconsiderations and appeals), advising and supporting clients with benefit sanctions and issuing pre-action protocol letters, where appropriate.

All Passage projects along with their employees are expected to uphold Passage values and work within a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE).

Main Duties

• Working in a psychologically-informed way, you will conduct assessments to identify care and support needs, and to establish the most appropriate accommodation options for destitute clients with no access to benefits.
• Refer into appropriate services providing support to NRPF clients, including applying for Home Office Asylum Support and provide support to the clients in all aspects of their resettlement into either Asylum Support or Host accommodation including applying for Home Office accommodation support (Asylum Support), grants, advocacy and local support agencies.
• Lead on cases initiated by clients themselves, or by other caseworkers, which are complex (for example, advising clients around sanctions) or where clients wish to challenge DWP decisions in relation to Universal Credit/HRT, Housing Benefit, PIP, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance or other UK benefits.
• Assess client eligibility for benefits, support clients to understand decisions and advocate for client via mandatory reconsiderations, appeals and reviews where appropriate.
• Issue pre-action protocol letters and referring to external solicitors as appropriate to challenge unlawful or unjust decisions, or unnecessary delays.
• Provide services at the Community Services Centre and occasional in-reach projects at other sites.
• Offer drop-in workshops or advice surgeries on benefits or immigration support issues, in accordance with service need.
• Contribute case studies and quotes to support fundraising proposals and applications for funding.
• Provide accurate and timely information to clients regarding immigration support and benefits advice whilst keeping up to date with changes through training and other opportunities to ensure that this happens.
• Participate in rota system for Community Services reception space, involving engaging with new and current clients, and supporting with ad hoc tasks (e.g. supporting with laundry, replenishing stores of tea and coffee etc.)
• Agree a risk assessment, safety and support plan with every client that is regularly reviewed and monitored.

General Responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage[1].
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role or as per organisational requirements.

Desired Experience

• E1: Experience of delivering a busy and changing service within a psychologically informed framework.
• E2: Experience of advising and supporting homeless or vulnerable individuals, many of whom may have experienced trauma and may be from different cultural backgrounds.
• E3: Experience of casework, including advocating on behalf of clients and of challenging decisions made by DWP, Migrant Help or another public body, e.g.local authorities.
• E4: Experience of working with clients experiencing homelessness and with complex needs.
• E5: Ability to communicate complex information clearly to vulnerable individuals, many of whom may not speak English as a first language.
• E6: Ability to produce high quality written work to deadline, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload.
• E7: Commitment to equality and diversity, including experience of working in a multicultural environment.

Desired Knowledge

• K1: Knowledge of the issues that face clients who are homeless due to their immigration status (NOTE: an OISC/IAA qualification is not needed for this role).
• K2: Knowledge of Universal Credit elements, as well as Personal Independence Payment, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, Housing Benefit and JSA and ESA or willingness to learn.
• K3: Knowledge of Asylum Support eligibility for those with no recourse an

How To Apply

To apply, please follow the link below to complete your application on our website.

Migrant and Welfare Advisor – The Passage