Destitution Caseworker
JRS UK is recruiting a Destitution Caseworker
JRS UK is seeking a Destitution Caseworker to support JRS UK’s accompaniment, service and advocacy on behalf of those made destitute by the asylum process, joining a small tightly knit and diverse team at the JRS UK offices in Wapping. The post is one of a number of connected changes at JRS UK intended to enable us to increase our capacity to provide quality advice and support to refugees through our mission to accompany.
JRS UK has been working with destitute refugees for many years and would now like to expand the services we provide and increase the capacity of our team to provide support and assistance. Reporting to the Casework and Support Manager, this busy and varied role combines holistic advice, casework and accompaniment of refugees, referrals to specialist agencies and JRS Legal and Accommodation Project liaison, as well as supporting JRS’ advocacy and policy work.
The post-holder should have in-depth knowledge of the issues faced by destitute asylum-seekers and refugees, and a good understanding of the challenges faced by these groups, with particular focus on homelessness and destitution support. They will need highly developed listening skills, personal resilience and emotional maturity to respond to the emotional and practical needs of asylum seekers, accompany them and support them to positively progress with their lives. They need to have and maintain an up-to-date knowledge about the immigration and asylum context as it relates to our work with destitute refugees and be able to apply that to situations affecting individuals in practice
Our Mission
The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation, at work in over 50 countries with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS in the UK has a special ministry to those who are made destitute during the asylum process, and those detained for the administration of immigration procedures.
About JRS UK
JRS UK runs a Day Centre, creative and therapeutic activities, a small hosting scheme (At Home) and a specialist legal advice service for destitute asylum seekers; we also run a detention outreach service to Heathrow IRC, including a befriending service, as well as a peer support group for people who have experienced detention. JRS UK undertakes research for advocacy to policy makers, alongside communications and outreach to the Catholic community, to raise awareness of the real situation facing asylum seekers and to argue for a change in policies that undermine their dignity and a just society.
Duration: 18-month fixed term contract 37.5 hours/ 5 days per week. We are willing to consider 30 hours/4 days per week or flexible arrangements like job share.
Location: JRS UK Office, Hurtado Jesuit Centre, Wapping, London (currently working from home but may be required to attend the office periodically for appointments. Phased return to work from our Hurtado Centre base likely during the course of 2021).
Salary scale: £26,000 – £34,000 pa
Pension: includes 10% employer contributory pension
To Apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification, to Miriam Katche, Casework and Support Manager at miriam.katche@jrs.net
Deadline for applications: Monday 7th June 9am
Interviews to take place Wednesday 9th June. Candidates should please hold that date for interviews
