Refugee Studies

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Many refugees arrive in the UK having fled state terror, torture or rape, only to be met with fear, prejudice and open hostility. For adults, it can be a lonely, confusing and overwhelming experience. For separated children, it can be much worse. This is where we come in.
Our Children’s Section works tirelessly to raise the profile of refugee children in the UK and, within this, our Panel of Advisers plays a crucial role. They deliver direct advice and advocacy to young asylum seekers and refugees, helping them through the asylum determination process and ensuring they gain access to key services. The Panel’s work is hugely varied and genuinely challenging. This is why we need you.

senior children’s panel adviser – regional casework team
birmingham £26,928 (two years fixed term contract)
This leadership role is as varied as it is important. You’ll focus on supporting and developing a four-strong regional team of advisers – helping manage their caseloads and actively promoting good practice. Influencing new policies will feature too, as will the forging of new relationships with key partner agencies and you’ll also deliver high quality casework support, advocacy and advice yourself.
To succeed, you’ll need advice-giving experience, a background of working with children and a thorough knowledge of UK asylum determination procedures. You must also be a strong leader and an exceptional communicator – equally comfortable whether relating to children or negotiating at senior level across both the voluntary and statutory sectors.
Ref: RC814/G. Interviews: 23 + 24 November 2006.

service development worker – children’s panel
based birmingham £23,952 (two years fixed term contract)
Asylum-seeking children across the West Midlands often have trouble accessing vital services. You’ll turn this situation around. You’ll analyse existing access across the region, and then work with key service providers to develop measures and good practice directives. Crucially, you’ll also create processes to engage and involve young asylum seekers – ensuring they’re able to influence any progress we make.
You must have experience of either developing or providing services for vulnerable groups and an understanding of the difficulties they can encounter in gaining access to key services. A background of senior level liaison is also important, as is knowledge of mapping services and prioritising need. This post will include regular travel across the region.
Ref: RC813/G. Interviews: 23 + 24 November 2006.

children’s panel advisers – regional casework team
two in birmingham, one in leeds £21,588 (two years fixed term contract)
A key member of the team, you’ll work with a diverse group of children, assisting and supporting them through the asylum determination procedure. You’ll provide advice, help them access services and advocate on their behalf when required and importantly, you’ll keep them involved in any decision making that will affect their lives.
Experience of working with young people is vital, as is a solid knowledge of UK statutory services and asylum procedures relating to children. You must be a strong negotiator too, with the ability to collaborate with other agencies and manage a flexible and varied workload.
Ref: RC815/G. Interviews: 27 + 28 November 2006.

All these posts also require a real understanding of the issues and challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee children in the UK. For an application pack please phone 020 7832 1623 quoting the appropriate reference. Downloadable application packs available from www.jobsincharities.co.uk Closing date for receipt of completed application forms: 20 October 2006. www.refugeecouncil.org.uk