Immigration and Asylum Caseworker
We're looking for an OISC Level 1 qualified Caseworker to make a real difference to asylum seekers and refugees in the Reading area.
Position: Immigration and Asylum Caseworker – OISC Level 1
Location: Reading
Hours: Part-time, 3.5 days (26.5 hours)
Contract: 1 year, office based
Salary: £26,873 pro rata + 6% pension
Closing date: Friday 23rd August 2024
Interview: Wednesday 28th August 2024
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (additional day per year of employment, max 5 days), cycle to work scheme, confidential counselling support and welfare days.
About the role:
The Immigration and Asylum Caseworker will provide an effective and efficient OISC level 1 asylum, immigration, and welfare benefits advice service to asylum seekers and refugees in the Reading area.
You will directly support our clients by advising and addressing issues including housing, benefits, legal status and financial matters. We are looking for a patient, organised, sympathetic, and methodical caseworker who wants to help our clients and is confident in following due processes and advocating on their behalf. You will be working at our Reading office and be available to do outreach work as and when required.
We will offer support training and development training to acquire OISC level 2 accreditation and continual training with our level 3 OISC Caseworker and Solicitor.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Providing advice face to face, over the phone and other mediums.
- Independently managing casework.
- Liaising with clients, Home Office and other agencies
- Undertaking applications to UKVI, preparing fresh claims, representing clients with UKVI, drafting witness statements, and lodging notices of appeal.
- Drafting lists of documents and general case correspondence to the Home Office and relevant authorities.
About you:
You will have excellent communication and drafting skills; and can multi-task, work under the pressure of deadlines and meet clients' expectations. Applicants must be able to handle their caseload with minimal supervision. Knowledge of additional language is a bonus. All candidates should have strong ethical standards, and team spirit and be passionate about working with asylum seekers and refugees. You will have practical IT skills, be able to work to strict deadlines and have good organisational and methodical skills.
Key skills required for this role:
- Qualified to OISC Level 1.
- Ability to work from the office – Reading.
- Experience in providing or managing the provision of a client-focused advice service.
- An understanding of how the UK's Asylum and Immigration system works.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
- Proficient in MS/other office applications
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Strong ethical standards
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
It is very important that you set out how you meet each of these requirements in your cover letter.
About the organisation:
The employer is a charity in Berkshire that offers comprehensive assistance to refugees, including free legal advice through OISC accredited solicitors, integration support via a drop-in centre, social activities, and a refugee football team. They also engage in advocacy and campaigns for refugee rights. The organization encourages community involvement through fundraising, volunteering, and membership. They have made significant impacts, such as providing extensive casework support and distributing food parcels.
The employer aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
You may also have experience in areas such as: Immigration Caseworker, Immigration Advisor, Asylum Advisor, Asylum Caseworker, Senior Advisor, Housing Advisor, People Advisor, General Advice Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Community Action Worker, Telephone Advisor, Operations Executive, Helpline Officer, Helpline Support, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.