Resettlement Officer

Location: London N4 - Office-based
Salary: £20 per hour PAYE
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Temporary, initially 2 months, likely extensions
Start Date: ASAP - ideally next week
DBS:
Must have active Enhanced DBS required

RSR is recruiting on behalf of a national charity based in North London supporting British people who have been imprisoned overseas and are returning to the UK.
Many people supported by the charity have spent significant periods of their lives living abroad and may return to the UK with no accommodation, support network or financial means. The organisation provides practical and emotional support to help people rebuild their lives, including assistance with emergency accommodation, benefits, healthcare, food and travel grants, passports, bank accounts and referrals to specialist services.
We are looking for an experienced Resettlement Officer to join the team on an urgent temporary basis for an initial 2-month contract
.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to people with complex and multiple needs
, supporting them through what can be an extremely challenging period of transition.

• Manage a caseload of vulnerable people returning to the UK following imprisonment overseas.
• Provide practical advice, guidance and emotional support around resettlement.
• Support clients with issues including emergency accommodation, benefits, healthcare and access to specialist services
  .
• Work with people experiencing multiple and complex needs.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding, vulnerability and risk concerns
  , including risks associated with offending histories.
• Work closely with the Resettlement Manager and external agencies to manage risk and safeguarding.
• Advocate for clients with organisations including DWP, local authorities and other statutory and voluntary agencies
  .
• Support clients with benefit claims, homelessness issues and other resettlement needs.
• Develop and maintain effective multi-agency relationships.
• Assess and respond to telephone enquiries from clients and external organisations.
• Make and administer decisions regarding client cash grants in accordance with organisational policy.
• Co-facilitate resettlement support groups and other themed sessions.
• Liaise with clients in prison overseas, their families and relevant statutory and voluntary organisations before release.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure all documentation is managed appropriately.
• Provide advice and information to colleagues across the frontline support team.
• Attend supervision and contribute to the ongoing development of resettlement services.

The successful candidate will have professional experience supporting people with complex needs
, ideally within a resettlement, probation, homelessness, substance misuse or criminal justice setting.
You will need to demonstrate experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Homelessness
• Supporting people leaving prison
• Rehabilitation and resettlement
• Substance misuse

You will also have:

• A relevant professional qualification such as Probation, Social Work or another relevant qualification
  , or equivalent experience.
• Experience providing support and advocacy to people with multiple and complex needs.
• Experience of multi-agency case management
  , working with statutory and/or voluntary sector organisations.
• An empathetic, professional and non-judgemental approach to working with people who have convictions.
• Experience identifying and managing safeguarding and vulnerability concerns.
• Strong communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisation skills, with the ability to manage a caseload, prioritise effectively and respond to urgent situations.
• Good IT skills, including experience using case management systems, Microsoft Office, email and the internet.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality, data protection and safe working practices.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a wider team.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity.

It would be advantageous to have experience or knowledge of:

• UK voluntary sector services
• Prison release and resettlement
• Homelessness legislation
• Welfare benefits and DWP processes
• Substance misuse
• Counselling
• Group work
• Evidence-based interventions for people leaving prison