Caseworker in Bradford

Company Description

Bradford Foundation Trust provides financial support, practical assistance and advice to individuals and families in need across Bradford and the wider district.

We distribute Zakat locally through the National Zakat Foundation's Community Zakat Programme, alongside connecting applicants to other locally accessible support services.

Role Description

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our distribution team as a Caseworker.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and skills and a strong commitment to the values and vision of Bradford Foundation Trust.

Team members work closely with individuals and families to help them navigate challenges and improve their wellbeing.

The Trust is committed to compassionate, community-focused service grounded in dignity and respect.

The Caseworker is a part-time, on-site role based in Bradford.

The Caseworker will support individuals and families, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, by assessing needs, developing support plans, and coordinating access to services such as financial assistance, family support, counselling, and learning programs.

Day-to-day tasks include conducting interviews and home or office visits, maintaining accurate case records, monitoring progress, and advocating on behalf of service users with partner agencies and local services.

The role also involves collaborating with colleagues to ensure holistic support, participating in team meetings, and contributing to the continuous improvement of Bradford Foundation Trust’s services.

The Caseworker will uphold safeguarding practices and promote an inclusive, person-centered approach in all interactions.

Qualifications & Skills Required

• Strong Interpersonal Skills and Communication abilities to build trust, listen effectively, and engage with diverse communities.
• Good personal planning and organisational skills.
• Good IT skills, including confident use of case management systems.
• An effective team player.
• Flexible, positive approach.
• Understanding of the Zakat eligibility criteria and the principles underpinning Zakat distribution, or willingness to learn.
• Knowledge and experience in Social Work, Case Management, and Casework to assess needs, plan interventions, and coordinate support.
• Understanding of issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable families, including housing, benefits, and access to public services.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, manage a caseload, and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality, and non-discriminatory practice.
• Relevant qualification or training in social work, community work, counselling, or a related field is desirable.
• Experience working in charitable, community, or statutory services is an advantage.
• Ability to communicate in one or more community languages spoken in Bradford, such as Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri/Pahari, Bengali/Sylheti, Arabic, or Kurdish is desirable.
• Typical Responsibilities
• -Assessment and casework
• Contacting applicants and undertaking assessments by phone and face-to-face
• Inputting data correctly and accurately on our Zakat portal and CRM
• Keeping confidential records safely and securely, remaining well organised and able to maintain records using our case management systems.
• -Advice and signposting
• Answering questions and giving advice on social security welfare benefits, or signposting to other agencies where appropriate.
• Maintaining an up-to-date working knowledge of the benefits and tax credits system.
• Signposting and referring applicants to locally accessible support services across Bradford, including Bradford Council services, Citizens Advice Bradford & Airedale, local food banks and community pantries, housing and homelessness services, debt advice providers, domestic abuse services, refugee and asylum support organisations, and mental health and wellbeing services.
• Providing assistance in the distribution of Zakat to applicants according to the service remit, code of practice and performance standards required, in line with the National Zakat Foundation's Community Zakat Programme.
• Ensuring applications are assessed fairly, consistently and in accordance with Zakat eligibility criteria.
• -Partnership and service development
• Building and maintaining working relationships with local mosques, community organisations, statutory agencies and voluntary sector partners across Bradford.
• Participating in service development and stakeholder relationships as required.
• -Professional conduct
• Working well with people from a variety of backgrounds, languages and cultures.
• Being non-judgemental and dealing empathetically with applicants.
• Working well as a member of a team.
• Adherence to Data Protection regulations, safeguarding policies and confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Typical Working Hours: 9am-5pm 4 days per week

Bradford Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding. This post is subject to a DBS check and two satisfactory references.

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