Refugee and Migration Support Assistant

We are looking to appoint a Refugee and Migration Support Assistant. Based within the Refugee and Migration Service, you will provide a central point for all enquiries and referrals into the service, providing advice and sign posting to meet customers and partner's needs. You will be required to assist with the recording of information and provide administrative assistance to meet the needs of the service.

Please Note: This is a fixed term contract until 31.08.2028 but is subject to possible renewal or extension.

What you'll get to do:

Respond to enquiries from partner agencies, councillors and colleagues in a professional, effective and accurate manner, including via telephone, email, website and face-to-face communication.

Arrange multi-disciplinary meetings, team meetings and events, including room bookings, transport and catering arrangements, accurate note-taking and diary management.

Provide general administrative support to the team and the wider service.

Administer invoices, requisitions and purchase orders, as well as processing overtime claims and petty cash.

Process confidential, sensitive and personal data relating to vulnerable customers and service delivery in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR regulations.

Collate information from service systems to support managers in monitoring performance and service delivery.

Accurately update, maintain and manage computer records and systems used by the service.

Adhere to role-related risk assessments and report any hazards or instances of non-compliance within the workplace, where appropriate.

Demonstrate a positive, inclusive and diverse approach when working with internal and external customers and colleagues, with awareness of organisational resources available to enhance access to services.

Undertake any other duties relevant to the post, as required to meet the needs of the service.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively in a busy environment.
• Experience of working within frontline services, providing direct support to service users.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Confident in using a range of IT packages, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Excel.
• Willingness and ability to learn internal IT systems and adapt to new processes.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to support managers in maintaining accurate systems, data and records.
• Experience of working within the public or third sector as part of a busy team with frequently changing priorities.
• Customer-facing experience, with strong communication skills across face-to-face interactions, email and telephone.

Annual leave, Employee discount, Company pension, Cycle to work scheme, Discounted gym membership, Flexible schedule, Car scheme, * Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.

• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.