Overview
The Refugee Employability Officer will provide tailored employability support to resettled refugees in Hampshire under the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), Community Sponsorship and other eligible schemes. The role delivers structured one to one and group based support focusing on supporting individuals towards employment, including goal setting, job search and application support, interview preparation, employer engagement, and links to training, apprenticeships and (where appropriate) self employment.
Key Working Relationships
This position will work closely with all staff involved in the delivery of the Hampshire Resettlement and Integration Support Service, including Programme Managers, Senior Integration and Resettlement Officers, Bilingual Officers, ESOL and Education colleagues, Employment Caseworkers, and partner organisations such as Citizen Advice Rushmoor, Jobcentre Plus, statutory funded employment support services, education and training providers, employers, and relevant advice organisations across Hampshire.
Key Accountabilities Employability Support to Individuals (55%)
- Conduct structured individual assessments to identify skills, qualifications, employment history, transferable competencies and career aspirations, and translate these into clear and realistic actions and goals within an Individual Support Plan.
- Deliver tailored job readiness support through one to one coaching and group based workshops, including CV development, interview preparation, UK workplace norms, digital literacy, job search strategies and confidence building.
- Support individuals to access and sustain employment opportunities, facilitating job matching, liaising with employers, supporting applications and providing on the job follow up assistance to promote job retention and progression.
- Monitor and respond to employment and training related risks, including exploitation, unsafe work and discrimination, ensuring appropriate safeguarding action and advocacy for clients.
- Provide structured guidance to individuals considering small scale self employment, including exploring viable income generating ideas, basic planning, market research and understanding UK start up and compliance requirements.
- Facilitate access to vocational training, apprenticeships, accredited courses and skills development opportunities that enhance employability and support longer term career progression.
External Engagement and Partnerships (20%)
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with local employers across Hampshire to facilitate direct placements, work experience opportunities and promote inclusive recruitment practices.
- Promote awareness among employers of the skills and contributions of resettled refugees and address misconceptions where appropriate.
- Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with Jobcentre Plus, education and training providers, and business advice and start up support services.
- Represent the service in local employability and partnership forums, contributing to multi agency strategies that improve labour market access and progression for resettled refugees.
Key Administrative Tasks (15%)
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting and file maintenance to document client progress and outcomes.
- Provide logistical support for the procurement of into work support items and the delivery of employability workshops and employer events.
- Analyse trends and barriers affecting employment outcomes and contribute insights to service development discussions.
Ways of Working (10%)
- Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to integrate employment pathways within longer term integration planning.
- Gather and analyse client and employer feedback to inform continuous improvement of employability interventions.
- Carry out all the above in accordance with the aims, values and policies of International Rescue Committee, including safeguarding, confidentiality, impartiality and equal opportunities.
Person Specification Essential Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, partners and clients.
- Strong knowledge of the local Hampshire employment context, including key employers and training and development pathways.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with confidence to engage and maintain a wide range of internal and external partnerships.
- Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience delivering or supporting meetings/workshops via online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- Strong working knowledge of the UK labour market and recruitment processes, with the ability to coach clients on job search, CV development, interview preparation and workplace expectations.
- Ability to travel regularly throughout Hampshire as required.
Desirable
- Ability to communicate in Dari and/or Pashto or another community language relevant to the Hampshire resettled population.
- Lived experience of forced migration, resettlement or navigating UK employment systems as a refugee or migrant.
Experience
- Essential: Minimum two years of related experience delivering tailored employability support with refugees, migrants or other vulnerable populations in Hampshire, including one to one coaching, group workshops, outreach to the private sector, and liaison with Jobcentre Plus, training providers and employers.
- Desirable: Experience supporting clients with self employment pathways, including UK start up basics and signposting to business advice and start up support services.
Salary and Contract
The salary for this role is £33,756.76 per annum. This is a fixed term contract until 1st June 2027 with the possibility of an extension. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunity
IRC UK is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.