At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their right to work application process with empathy and care.
- Company: Join Mears, a leader in providing solutions for homelessness and social housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company vehicle, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29856 - 29856 £ per year.
Location: Causeway Coast & Glens
Salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum, including company vehicle and fuel card, or £3,500 company car allowance
Contract: Full time – 6‑month Fixed term contract, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in the regions of Northeast Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Mears works in partnership with central and local government, registered providers, tenants, landlords and investors to find solutions to homelessness, provide more social and affordable housing and create specialist housing for people with care needs.
About The Role
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Welfare Support Officer. This position works exclusively to support asylum seekers through their right to work asylum application process with the Home Office. The ideal candidate will be resilient, trustworthy, caring, a people person, and extremely empathetic.
Role Criteria
- Support service users at various stages of their asylum application process
- Address safeguarding and welfare issues appropriately, escalating concerns when necessary
- Provide both practical and emotional support to service users
- Monitor wellbeing and identify support needs for individuals and families
- Ensure accurate record‑keeping for Home Office audits and compliance
- Carry out risk assessments and update support plans regularly
- Maintain professional boundaries while providing a supportive and empathetic service
- Assist service users with accessing healthcare, education, and community services
- Signpost to external agencies and support networks where appropriate
- Accompany service users to appointments or interviews where required
- Promote independence and resilience by encouraging service users to develop life skills
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, local authorities, and partner organisations
- Respond quickly and calmly to crisis situations to ensure safety and support
- Contribute to service improvements by sharing feedback and best practice
- Support equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
- Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups
- Strong understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures
- Ability to identify needs and put in place appropriate support packages to promote independence
- Experience supporting people with mental health issues and/or challenging behaviour
- Effective communication skills with colleagues, service users, and local authorities
- Experience with record keeping, case management, and risk assessments
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks
- Resilient, supportive, trustworthy, approachable, empathetic, and a good listener
- Flexible and willing to travel as required
- Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult or emotional situations
- Good IT skills for updating case notes and maintaining accurate records
- Commitment to confidentiality and data protection
- Full UK driving licence
Benefits We Can Offer You
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day – a large thank you event organised by the Executive team
- Volunteering Leave – paid volunteering in the community supporting our social value commitment
- Staff perks with Mears Rewards – discounts on groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, share save scheme, and more
- Family friendly policies
- Company vehicle and fuel card
- Access to EAP counselling sessions
To drive a Mears vehicle you must be aged over 21, have held your licence for over 3 months, and have less than 9 points. All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK. Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship. As part of the recruitment process for this role, we will carry out a Background, Identity, Security clearance & BPSS check. For these checks to be completed, we will require you to provide relevant identification, including proof of address, references, a valid passport, and proof that you have lived in the UK for the last 5 years.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all. We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). We also hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers. In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
Welfare Support Officer in Ballymoney employer: Mears Group PLC
Mears is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and service users. With competitive benefits such as a company vehicle, generous annual leave, and opportunities for community volunteering, Mears fosters personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Located in the beautiful Causeway Coast & Glens, this role as a Welfare Support Officer allows you to contribute to vital social initiatives in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Support Officer in Ballymoney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the welfare support field, attend local events, and connect with organisations that align with your values. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Mears and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help asylum seekers navigate their challenges. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those around empathy and resilience. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your experience with vulnerable groups and how you’ve handled tough situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Mears and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Support Officer in Ballymoney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Welfare Support Officer role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable groups and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique strengths to our team!
Showcase Your Empathy:This role is all about supporting asylum seekers, so let your caring nature shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've provided emotional support or helped others in challenging situations. We love to see candidates who genuinely care!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Mears. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Welfare Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the asylum application process and the specific challenges faced by asylum seekers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Welfare Support Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided emotional support or helped vulnerable individuals. Be ready to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations and maintain professional boundaries while being supportive.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully communicated with diverse groups or resolved conflicts. During the interview, be clear and articulate your thoughts, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to respond to crisis situations. Practice answering questions like how you would handle a safeguarding issue or support someone struggling with mental health. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
