Vacancies

We currently have a vacancy for the post of Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

HVG is a voluntary organisation committed to helping asylum seekers and migrants held at Immigration Removal Centre Haslar and asylum seekers and refugees in the community in Portsmouth. We have around 60 volunteer visitors who each befriend and make weekly visits to the detainee who is allocated to them.

Post - Coordinator

Full-time (37 hours per week).  There will be some evening and possibly weekend work.

Salary

£23,000-£26,000 (depending on experience).  

Equal Opportunities

HVG is committed to operating as an equal opportunities organisation.  We welcome applications from refugees and in particular from former detainees to reflect the composition of our service user group.

Responsible to

The trustees, line-managed by the Chairman.

Purpose of the Job

Coordinating the work of staff and visitors in supporting detainees, visitors and asylum seekers in Portsmouth. Responsibility for awareness raising, fund-raising and overall management of the charity.

Main Areas of Responsibility

1. Managing the day to day operation of Haslar Visitors Group.
2. Fundraising and managing of the charity’s finances.
3. Liaising with other charities, local and national, as appropriate.
4. Line managing the Assistant Coordinator
5. Training and managing volunteers, new staff and students.
6. Awareness raising: public speaking; writing newspaper articles; talking to the media.
7. Case work including: providing emotional and practical support to detainees and visitors;   visiting detainees as required;  liaising with Removal Centre management, solicitors and other professionals;  managing the administrative systems;  casework for asylum seekers

Special Conditions

The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a three month probationary period. The job offers 25 days leave a year plus public holidays, with lieu time given for evening and weekend work.

Place of work

The group’s office is All Saints Commercial Road Portsmouth PO1 4BT but there will be regular travel to the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre near Gosport.

Additional Information

It is essential that the person appointed has their own motor transport.  Mileage will be paid.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

A proactive person able to act on their own initiative and prioritise their workload.

An awareness of the difficulties facing asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

A sympathetic and caring attitude to migrants in and out of detention.  

Experience of coordinating or managing people.

Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills. Confidence to give talks to small groups, deliver training and network at meetings or events.

Computer literacy (Microsoft Office and the internet)

A numerate person with experience of fundraising in the voluntary sector.

A flexibility to work outside office hours when required (usually 3 evenings a month).   

Own transport (mileage paid).  

Desirable

A working knowledge of the UK asylum and immigration system.

An understanding of the voluntary sector; personal experience of being a volunteer will be considered highly desirable.

Financial management skills.

Experience of dealing with the media.

Knowledge of a foreign language.

An ability to design, deliver and evaluate training for volunteers and staff.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply by email to coordinator@haslarvisitors.org.uk with a cv and covering letter.