VACANCY: PART-TIME LGBTQI+ASYLUM SEEKER SUPPORT WORKER

UKLGIG is a unique human rights charity dedicated to supporting, and advocating for the rights of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer and intersex (LGBTI+) asylum seekers and refugees. We have an exciting opportunity for an LGBTQI+ Asylum Seeker Support Worker to join our small team.

DESCRIPTION

LGBTQI+ Asylum Seeker Support Workers are together responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of support services to individuals seeking asylum on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity throughout the asylum process.

Working together with our existing LGBTQI+ Asylum Seeker Support Worker, yourespond to the needs of UKLGIG clients in a holistic manner including facilitating peer support groups and providing one-to-one sessions in order to combat isolation and marginalisation and improve self-esteem and confidence. The support worker will also liaise with solicitors, doctors, social workers, mental health professionals and others to support those seeking asylum.

Though predominantly based at our offices in Southwark, this role will require regular travel outside of London including to immigration detention centres. The applicant will be required to occasionally work in the evening and at weekends.

UKLGIG is committed to equality and diversity and we particularly encourage applications from all sections of the LGBTI community and black and minority ethnic communities. The post is subject to an occupational requirement and exempt from the Equality Act and is only open to those who identify aslesbian, gay, bisexual , trans*, queer or intersex (LGBTQI+).

SALARY: £23,713-25,750 (full time equivalent – applied pro rata) – scale starting point depending on experience (plus statutory employers pension contribution)

LOCATION: London with regular travel

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, 17.5 -21 hours/week (some evening and possible weekend work but work pattern is open for discussion in line with service needs and other staff rotas)

ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days per year rising to 28 days per year (full time equivalent applied pro rata)

CLOSING DATE:.5.00pm Monday 27 November 2017

INTERVIEW DATE:. Monday 4 December 2017 (please keep date free or notify us with application if unavailable)

HOW TO APPLY: Email completed application forms to

The job description and person specification are attached. Return the completed application form and monitoring form to UKLGIG.

This post is funded in large part through the generosity of The Tudor Trust.

LGBTQI+ASYLUM SEEKER SUPPORT WORKER – JOB DESCRIPTION

The LGBTQI+Asylum Seeker Support Workers provide direct support to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers including in immigration detention centres.

The post involves:

  • Meeting potential and existing clients to holistically discuss and assess their needs and sources of support;
  • Interviewing clients in order to gather information for legal or other referrals;
  • Providing non-legal and general information and signposting regarding the asylum process (it is expected that the post will develop in future to include some advice work with clients on evidencing their asylum claim including writing their personal narrative);
  • Visiting people held in immigration detention to provide information and support;
  • Liaising with solicitors in connection to specific cases e.g. attending appointments with particularly vulnerable asylum seekers;
  • Writing letters of support and case reports on the background and current life of the claimant for supported clients;
  • Providing one-to-one support when people are in vulnerable situations;
  • Making referrals to other specialist organisations and agencies, including mental and physical health NGOs;
  • Working with doctors, social workers, mental health professionals and others supporting asylum seekers during the legal process;
  • Attending clients’ court hearings as a professional witness to support statements made by UKLGIG;
  • Giving support to asylum seekers and others who contact the UKLGIG by phone and email;
  • Facilitating and attending asylum legal meetings, HIV testing evenings and social events;
  • Facilitating therapeutic discussion groups including our male, female, and trans* and intersex support groups;
  • Organising and facilitating social activities in order to combat isolation and marginalisation;
  • Deliver training;
  • Training and overseeing volunteers;
  • Outreach work with other organisations to enable broad support of LGBTQI+asylum seekers;
  • Keeping records in accordance with policies and the Data Protection Act and maintaining confidentiality;
  • Undertaking other reasonable tasks as requested.

Reporting:

The Executive Director will supervise the Asylum Seeker Support Worker.

LGBTQI+ASYLUM SEEKER SUPPORT WORKER – PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA / Essential/Desirable

Qualifications and Experience

Committed to the aims of UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group with some knowledge of immigration and asylum issues / E
At least 2 years significant experience in one or more of the following: social work, counselling, casework (legal or non-legal) or other professional support. / E
Experience of working in, or familiar with, the LGBTQI+ community / E
Experience of working in the voluntary and/or community sector / D
Ability to facilitate small group discussion in a therapeutic setting / E
Have a political and social awareness of the vulnerabilities of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers / E
Experience of coming out / E
Knowledge of coming out experiences across cultures / D
Human rights or asylum background / D
Experience of delivering training / D
Experience of using software programmes including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. / E

Skills and abilities

Excellent listening skills and an ability to create rapport and an environment to enable good communication, especially with those unable to or not used to talking about their sexuality or gender identity

/ E
Passionate about equality and human rights, particularly in regards to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers / E
Able to communicate sensitively and sympathetically with and able to assist often traumatised and vulnerable asylum seekers / E
An articulate, confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills, ability to write reports / E
Ability to work independently with a proven ability to prioritise work and work to deadlines / E
Ability to work collaboratively within a small team / E
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team / E
Ability to respond flexibly to a fast changing environment / E
Able to focus on both broad issues and details / E

General and specialist knowledge

Understanding of wider social justice and diversity issues / E
Ability to work flexibly and outside regular office hours / E

UKLGIG is committed to equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all sections of the LGBTQI+ community and black and minority ethnic communities. The post will be subject to a occupational requirement and so is exempt from the Equality Act as it is only open to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer or intersex (LGBTQI+).

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