Refugee Support Worker

Job Title: Refugee Support Worker. 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 · Organise community activities and community lunch programmes that promote integration and peer support · Support the planning, purchasing and preparation of food for community meals and events · 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