Description This is an INTERNAL ONLY role, we are not considering external applicants for this position About Barnet Council Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centers, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do. About the role Barnet is seeking for a Welfare Officer for sanctuary in Barnet is responsible for ensuring the well-being and support of sanctuary seekers resettling in the Barnet community. This will be largely focused on Ukrainian guests through the Homes for Ukraine programme, with the potential to expand to other cohorts. This role involves undertaking a comprehensive, strength-based assessment of refugee individuals and families, and coordinating resources, support and signposting to promote successful integration and resilience. They will also engage with the community to understand current challenges, and will support with delivering initiatives and events aimed at improving the lives of sanctuary seekers in Barnet. Please click here to download the Job description for this role. About you Demonstrated experience in providing welfare services to refugees, migrants, or displaced persons, including needs assessment, case management, and advocacy Knowledge of community resources, local networks, and partnership opportunities to enhance the support and integration of refugees into the community. Understanding of safeguarding procedures, risk assessment processes, and ethical considerations in working with vulnerable individuals and families. Comprehensive knowledge of social welfare systems, benefits, entitlements, and support services available to refugees in the UK, with a focus on the specific needs and challenges faced by sanctuary seekers. Proficient in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing support plans, and monitoring progress towards goals, while ensuring client confidentiality and dignity. Problem-solving: Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities to address complex welfare issues, identify barriers, and develop creative solutions in collaboration with clients and partners. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage caseloads, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Strong advocacy skills to effectively represent the interests and rights of refugees, raising awareness about their needs, and mobilising support from relevant stakeholders and decision-makers. Excellent customer care and communication skills What we offer 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership Excellent training and development opportunities Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance How to apply Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Ayan Patel, Sanctuary Manager – Ayan.PatelBarnet.gov.uk. Interviews will be held on 7th November 2024, in person at our Colindale offices. Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures. To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement. Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and remote working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking. Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed. Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible. Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted. Responsibilities