At a Glance
- Tasks: Support refugees and asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives and accessing essential services.
- Company: The Gap Wales - The Sanctuary Newport, dedicated to community transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team committed to equality and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting vulnerable individuals and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 27773 - 27773 £ per year.
Location: The Gap Centre, 42 Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 1JG.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Usual working pattern Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (including a 30-minute unpaid break). The successful candidate will be expected to support occasional evening community activities, which may include our weekly Games Night programme.
Salary: £27,773.20 per year (actual), 35 hours per week.
About Us: The Gap Wales - The Sanctuary Newport is committed to supporting asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in Newport. We provide a welcoming, trauma-informed space where individuals can access advocacy, wellbeing support, community activities, and opportunities for social connection. We believe wellbeing grows through belonging, meaningful relationships, and participation in community life. Alongside practical support and advocacy, we create opportunities for people to build confidence, develop skills, strengthen social connections, and contribute to their local community.
Every week, refugees and people seeking sanctuary arrive at The Gap Wales needing practical guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. As our Refugee Support Worker, you will help people rebuild confidence, navigate complex systems, and develop meaningful connections within the community. Our work is rooted in transformation: personal, social, and community. Every interaction, every conversation, and every act of support helps to "fill the gap" where existing systems fall short.
The Role: We are seeking a Refugee Support Worker to provide compassionate, practical and trauma-informed support to refugees and asylum seekers accessing our services. The role combines one-to-one support, advocacy, community engagement, practical assistance and partnership working to help individuals rebuild their lives, develop independence, improve wellbeing and become active members of their community.
You will support individuals to access essential services, overcome barriers, build confidence and strengthen social connections. You will also help coordinate community activities and community lunch programmes, working alongside volunteers and partner organisations to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary. This is a frontline role where your empathy, organisational skills and ability to build trusting relationships will make a tangible difference to the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Newport.
- Providing one-to-one support and advocacy to refugees and asylum seekers
- Supporting individuals to access housing, healthcare, education, welfare advice and other services
- Conducting needs assessments and developing support plans
- Coordinating community activities, community lunches and opportunities for social connection
- Working alongside volunteers, partner organisations and community groups to strengthen support networks
Key Responsibilities:
- Casework & Emotional Support
- Provide one to one practical and emotional support
- Conduct needs assessments and create personalised support plans
- Support individuals experiencing trauma, domestic violence, or other vulnerabilities
- Signpost to counselling, therapeutic services, and specialist mental health providers
- Advocacy & Signposting
- Advocate for service users with statutory and community agencies
- Support individuals to understand and exercise their rights within the UK asylum system
- Liaise with social services, legal advisors, and mental health professionals
- Group Work & Community Engagement
- Develop and facilitate wellbeing, confidence building, and social inclusion groups
- Organise community activities that promote integration and peer support
- Work with volunteers and community leaders to strengthen support pathways
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Maintain accurate case notes and data records
- Contribute to monitoring reports for trustees and funders
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding and data protection policies
Employment Details: Reporting to: Operations Director. Reasonable work-related expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy. Benefits include 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Pro rata) and a pension scheme with contributions in line with organisational policy. This role is initially offered on a one-year fixed term, with the intention of securing funding to establish a permanent position. As The Gap Wales continues to grow, the responsibilities of this role may evolve in response to organisational needs.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals in a community, support, advice, housing, wellbeing or similar setting
- Understanding of trauma informed practice
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Desirable:
- Experience working with refugees or asylum seekers
- Group facilitation experience
- Multilingual abilities
Why Join Us? This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people who have experienced displacement, trauma, and significant barriers. You will be part of a supportive team committed to compassion, dignity, and community transformation.
- Regular supervision and reflective practice
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
How to Apply: Application Deadline: Sunday, 23rd August 2026 with interviews taking place in September. For enquiries or to apply, please send your CV and a cover letter. Interviews will be conducted shortly after the closing date, with an expected start date of Monday, 5th October 2026 (subject to agreement).
Safeguarding Statement: The Gap Wales is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate DBS checks. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The aims and objectives of The Gap Wales are motivated by a Christian ethos. While we welcome applications from people of all faiths and none, all staff are expected to uphold and support the values, mission, and objectives of the organisation and not act in a manner that would knowingly undermine its Christian ethos.
Refugee Support Worker in Newport employer: The Gap Newport
The Gap Wales - The Sanctuary Newport is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer regular supervision, training opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that values compassion and community transformation. Located in Newport, our welcoming environment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages staff to engage in community activities, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refugee Support Worker in Newport
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Gap Newport.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Gap Newport!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Gap Newport, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Gap Newport or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Refugee Support Worker in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Gap Newport:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Gap Newport! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Gap Newport
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
