Refugee Employability Officer

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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