Refugee Welfare Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives?

We’re looking for a Refugee Welfare Officer to join our dedicated Asylum & Migration Team, supporting individuals and families who have fled conflict to build safe, independent lives in Buckinghamshire.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a small but impactful team working at the heart of the community. You’ll collaborate with other council services, partners, local organisations, and volunteers to deliver life-changing support and help families integrate successfully in Buckinghamshire.

Contract: Fixed term contract/secondment until 31^st March 2028.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

This role sits within the Planning, Growth & Sustainability directorate, supporting refugees to rebuild their lives and integrate successfully into local communities. Working predominantly with individuals and families from Ukraine and Afghanistan, the team works in partnership with colleagues across the Council, statutory agencies, and voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver tailored support, promote independence, and ensure positive outcomes.

About the role

The role provides wrap around support which includes signposting and supporting with universal credit applications, registering with GPs, access to language support, general check ins, employment support, supporting with housing needs or simply supporting with day to day challenges. A good eye for detail is essential as support for the Programme and Project Officer will be required.

The roles will support Senior Refugee Welfare Officers as required across the county.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

 

About you

Are you a people person with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping others overcome challenges? If so, a role as one of our Welfare Officers could be the perfect next step in your career.

In this rewarding role, you will provide a professional, responsive, and effective service to refugee families across Buckinghamshire. You will support individuals in accessing vital information, services, and opportunities, while identifying and overcoming barriers that may affect their wellbeing and integration. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as you'll often be communicating and building relationships across language and cultural differences.

We are looking for proactive problem-solvers who can work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and confidently take a hands-on approach to supporting families wherever needed. No two days are the same, so flexibility, resilience, and a positive attitude are key.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as you will be required to travel regularly to support families located across Buckinghamshire.

Other information

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

The team attend the office in Aylesbury 2 days a week, Monday & Thursday.

For more information regarding this role please contact: Sarah Hannon. Email address: [email protected]

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/