Job description
Do you want be part of a team that inspires change and has the interests of the community at its heart? Seeking a new challenge to help shape and develop a new team in the delivery of refugee resettlement services? Then North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has a great opportunity for you to join us a Resettlement Officer!
Who we are:
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we provide a wide range of services to its residents and the growing number of businesses based locally. As a Council, we are passionate about providing high quality services to our communities, residents, and businesses. This means we need to employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people. As a new unitary authority, we are excited with the opportunity we have in building the Council of the future with our local communities. The Council is creating a “one team” culture which will be central to our future approach and will build the solid foundations needed to drive future service improvement.
What we do:
The Refugee Resettlement Team offers and provides a range of specialist support to meet the needs of families and individuals resettled or those looking to resettle in North Northamptonshire through various refugee resettlement programmes, such as the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), Homes for Ukraine or under the nationwide Asylum Dispersal Policy.
What will you be doing?We are looking we are looking to recruit three enthusiastic and forward-thinking Resettlement Officers with drive, initiative and confidence. Reporting to the Refugee Resettlement Team Leader, you will deliver bespoke advice and support services to our refugee guests resident across North Northamptonshire. This is a truly unique opportunity to be part of this exciting journey of service transformation across the county. This is a wide-ranging role which will require you to work with directorates throughout the Council and beyond, including community groups and organisations, and voluntary sector partners.
Your main focus will be on supporting our refugee guests through individually tailored practical casework, such as setting up their new properties, supporting with tenancies, utility bills, benefits, GP/hospital registration, support to find employment, and supporting with mental health and trauma related issues etc). You will provide effective integration and orientation support to families resettling or relocating to North Northamptonshire via the various refugee resettlement schemes. You will also be key in ensuring that individuals and families resettled or hosted in the UK receive targeted advice and assistance regarding their situation to enable them to carry out their responsibilities, understand their rights and adapt to life in the UK.
Where you will be working:
The team is currently based in Kettering, but NNC has a flexible working policy and supports hybrid and home working options. The ability to travel between sites across North Northamptonshire is essential to this post. There may also be occasions where you will be required to work outside of normal office hours.
About youAs the successful candidate, you will bring:
- Experience in delivering high quality bespoke support services supporting positive outcomes for individuals and families.
- Experience in working with people who speak English as a second language
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral
- Possess an abundance of drive and determination
It would also be nice for you to have:
- Understanding of immigration policies and procedures, specifically in relation to asylum seekers and refugees
- Second language skill(s) i.e. Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto or Dari
- Experience of delivering resettlement support to refugees and asylum seekers under the various resettlement programmes
Application:
You will be required to provide a personal statement as part of the application form, and you must demonstrate how you will meet the person specification.
Closing date for applications (we do not accept CVs) is 12’noon Monday 21st August 2023.
We actively encourage applications from people from ethnic minorities, and people who perceive themselves to be disabled. This is to address an under representation of these groups.
The Council offers a range of benefits and flexible working hours.
North Northamptonshire Council is an equal opportunities employer.
For any further questions about this role, please contact Karan Singh, Communities and Wellbeing Project Manager for the Refugee Resettlement Team on: [email protected] or 0777 572 3446.
About usWe are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.
Our priorities are:
- helping people live active fulfilled lives
- caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
- enabling a thriving and successful economy
- leading on a green and sustainable environment
- ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
- providing modern public services
Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.
Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.
We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.
Our benefitsWe offer:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.