Afghan Association Paiwand – Supported Accommodations

Contract: Part-time (14 hours per week)

Gross Salary: £12,000 Per Annum (PA)

This role requires a proactive, empathetic, and supportive individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young people. If you are committed to helping young people achieve their potential and thrive in their communities, we encourage you to apply.

Aims of the Post:

Assist the Accommodation Project Manager in all day-to-day operations related to the supported accommodations. You will be working closely with and report to Accommodation Project Manager.

Semi-Independent Accommodation:

To support unaccompanied and former unaccompanied minor young men with settling into semi-independent living in the UK;

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To work with the Project Manager and the young persons to develop a structured programme and support plan based upon the young person’s individual support needs and focused on developing their self-confidence and esteem.
• To monitor the young person’s ability to engage with everyday living and develop skills where necessary by supporting their identified needs.
• To develop Action Plans in accordance with social services’ outcomes for each child and ensuring their progress;
  To prepare monthly report for each young person and share it with the relevant authorities;
• To signpost and liaise with relevant professionals on behalf of each young person;
• To assist and support the young person in accessing education, training or employment as well as supporting them with any application process;
• To encourage the young person to engage and take part with positive activities within the community, building on relationships and developing social networks.
• To follow up on actions discussed at the LAC review meetings;
• To maintain accurate files for each young person, including action plans and copies of all important documents;
• To run life skills workshops (CV writing, mental wellbeing, etc.) for residents of both  semi-independent accommodations;
• To develop and maintain a database of services, residents, and other related information;
• To keep all related documents, certificates and licences up to date;
• To carry out administrative work and record keeping associated with key working responsibilities and the daily running of the accommodations;
• To monitor and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the accommodation, by timely following up with the cleaning contractors;
• To complete required paperwork/ administration and key work sessions as directed;
• To carry out weekly health and safety checks within the accommodation - you must record and report any repair work or damage to the property to ensure it is kept to a high standard;
• To maintain confidentiality of young people and report any concerns regarding the young person’s welfare to your line manager;
• To attend staff meetings and training sessions as and when required;
• To respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and report these effectively;
• To attend the regular supervision meetings with the Project Manager;

Qualifications and Skills:

• Good level of written and verbal communication in English
• Experience working with young people or in a supportive role
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and procedures
• Basic financial management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity

Essentials:

• Full Enhanced DBS
• Minimum of 2 years experience working with children and/or young people or/and Teaching/teaching assistance background
• Computer literate

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a key worker/tutor
• Interest/experience in working with children and young people

Work Conditions:

• Ability to complete lone work with individual young people
• Willing to work evenings and weekends on a rota basis
• Willing to work additional hours to cover sickness and holidays and to work in other homes within our portfolio
• Willing to work on Bank Holidays & Christmas Holidays
• Have good medical health

If interested, please send your CV and a Covering Letter to

Mr Zubair Yosufi via accommodation@paiwand.com no later than 07/09/2024.

Job Title: Saturday School English and Maths Teacher (2 Positions)
Location: Stag Lane Saturday School
Position Type: Part-time (Saturdays)
Reports To: Saturday School Manager

Working Hours: Every Saturday, from 09:15 AM – 12:15 PM during school terms.
Place of Work: Stag Lane Primary School, HA8 5RU
Salary: £100 per Saturday (3 Hours)

Job Summary: 
We at Paiwand seek a dedicated and enthusiastic Saturday School Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for education and a commitment to fostering a positive student learning environment. This role involves teaching and supporting students on Saturdays to help them achieve their academic goals.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Plan and deliver engaging and effective lessons in accordance with the national curriculum;
• Provide individual and group instruction to students;
• Assess students' progress and provide constructive feedback;
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment;
• Maintain accurate records of students' attendance, progress, and performance;
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding students' progress and any concerns;
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development sessions as required;
• Collaborate with other teachers and staff to support student learning and development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field;
• Teaching certification or license (if applicable);
• Proven experience in teaching or tutoring;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to create engaging lesson plans and activities;
• Patience, adaptability, and a positive attitude;
• Ability to manage classroom behaviour effectively;
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to masumah@paiwand.com

Application Dateline: 31st July, 2024

Equal Opportunity: 

Afghan Association Paiwand values and celebrates diversity and equal opportunity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Contract length: 1 Year (extension subject to funding)

Status: Full time/Part time

Reports to: Operations Manager

Location: Main Office in Edgware + Relevant Outreach Locations in London

Salary: For the first 6 months, £28,000 p/a (pro rata). Afterwards, £31,000 p/a based on experience/performance

Key Responsibilities:

• To review the immigration service, including policies and procedures;
• To provide specialist advice to London-based refugees and asylum seekers;
• To assist with recruiting and managing volunteers;
• To look out for funding opportunities for expanding the project;
• To actively participate in Paiwand's other activities such as networking and event organisation.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Trained as a solicitor or as a level 2 OISC adviser;
• Project management skills;
• Fluency in English is a key requirement;
• Proficiency is foriegn languages is helpful;
• Committed to assisting the refugee and migrant community in line with Paiwand’s values, policies, and procedures. 

Deadline for Applications: Applications will be accepted until the vacancy has been filled. Suitable applicants will be offered an interview.

For more details about this role, please email to immigration@paiwand.com 

To apply: Please email your CV to immigration@paiwand.com.

Job Title:                 Placement Trainee Counsellor

Hours:                     Varied depending on availability

Reports to:              Mental Health Project Manager and Clinical Supervisor

Responsible for:      Counselling

Location:                 Paiwand Office

Salary:                     Voluntary

Introduction

Afghan Association Paiwand (Paiwand) is a registered charity and limited company founded in 2002. Paiwand's aims are to benefit the refugee and migrant communities in the United Kingdom through reducing poverty, advancing education, and relieving suffering through a number of services including advocacy, social support, accommodation and others.

Aims of the Post:

Asylum seekers and refugees often have needs related to complex, inter-linked issues arising from the myriad of traumatic experiences they undergo while they are forced to flee their home countries. These often include loss of family members, home, culture; surviving torture, rape and violent incidents; coping with lack of recognition in society, and concern about loved ones left at home or missing. Once in the UK, clients tend to suffer from high levels of stress relating to the complex asylum process in the UK. They worry about accommodation, money, education, access to legal advice, detention, fear of deportation or destitution and homelessness.  Paiwand’s Mental Health Project aims to improve the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced trauma.

The trainee will operate from Paiwand’s main office and provide one-to-one counselling support to clients who suffer from common mental health problems with no risk signs. Those who do not fall under our criteria are referred to appropriate services. Additionally, the trainee Jointly with the team will plan and facilitate one-off mental health talks and psychoeducation support.

Main responsibilities:

• To provide a minimum of three counselling hours per week, initially with adult clients.
• To maintain and participate in ethical supervision as required by the Paiwand and BACP.
• To abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
• To adhere to the policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct for all members.
• To ensure all client case notes, assessments and any other documentation are
  completed in accordance with the policies and procedures of Paiwand.
• To abide by and promote Afghan Association Paiwand’s Equal Opportunities policy.
• To attend training sessions provided within Paiwand and access independent CPD
  opportunities to enhance personal and professional development.
• To carry out any other activity that may reasonably be requested by any member of
  the management team, drawing on broader skills and knowledge.
• To uphold and promote the good name of Paiwand.

Essential requirements:

1. To be working towards a counselling Diploma and be confirmed as ‘fit to practice’ by the Counselling Diploma course tutor prior to starting counselling.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality and ethical boundaries as defined by the BACP.

3. Demonstrate an interest in new developments in counselling particularly as they relate to the refugee and asylum communities.
4. Demonstrate excellent communication skills.
5. Be flexible, energetic, enthusiastic, pro-active and self-motivated.
6. Be committed to continuous personal and professional development.

7. Be open to change and new challenges; be adaptable, flexible in approach and working hours; be prepared to explore new ways of working.

8. Be committed to the aims and values of Paiwand.

9. Be a current student member of the BACP.
10. Have the ability to speak either Arabic or Pashto; and have strong interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

1. Minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent.
2. Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
3. Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and client databases.
4. Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of Refugee and Migrant Mental Health.

NB: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken

For more details about this role, please click here.

To apply: Please email your CV to immigration@paiwand.com.

Role Title: ESOL Class Volunteer / Monitor 
Location: Stag Lane Saturday school
Position Type: Volunteer (Saturdays)
Reports To: Saturday School Manager

Role Summary:

We are looking for dedicated and responsible volunteers to supervise and monitor our ESOL classes on Saturdays. Volunteers will assist in supervising the class, ensuring the safety of students, and coordinating with the ESOL teacher to facilitate a smooth and productive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Class Supervision: Assist in supervising the ESOL class in or outside the classroom.
• Safety Instruction: Instruct students on using the building and facilities safely, in accordance with Saturday school policy.
• Teacher Coordination: Work closely with the ESOL teacher to support classroom activities and address any needs.
• Safeguarding: Ensure the prevention of any safeguarding issues by monitoring student entering, exiting and using the school facility.
• Reporting Concerns: Communicate and report any concerns or incidents that arise in the ESOL class to the Saturday school manager as soon as possible.

Working Hours:  (Saturdays, from 1pm - 3pm). 
 

NB: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken

To apply: Please email your CV to masumah@paiwand.com.

The Community Advocacy team at Paiwand provides advocacy and advice to refugees and asylum seekers in London. This includes support with any issues surrounding benefits, allowances, and housing. You will be working alongside the Senior Community Advocate and the Community Advocacy Manager, supporting them primarily with updating the online database with client information, organising the OneDrive, contacting clients to book appointments, and other ad hoc admin tasks. There will also be the opportunity to develop your own advocacy skills and knowledge as well as to take on your own clients.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

We are looking for volunteers to provide the immigration team with admin and legal support at our headquarters in Edgware. Key responsibilities will include day-to-day general office duties and admin work, legal research, case management, and casework. We would be happy to be provide the key training, including the relevant OISC qualifications, particularly to those volunteers with some legal background and qualifications.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

We are operating as an important organisation to help refugees in London. Therefore, we need volunteers who will help us in establishing relationships with key authorities and other organisations. The volunteer will benefit by improving their interpersonal skills, gaining relevant experience and contributing to a great cause.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

Paiwand organises a range of youth activities that require coordination and efficient execution. This role would be ideal for someone looking to work with the refugee youth in helping them integrate into society and have a healthy upbringing.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

Media management is an important aspect of Paiwand's work. This role will involve assisting with important parts of this work, including social media management and journalistic work such as coordinating with newspapers and reporting on Paiwand's work.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

We need volunteers to help us manage our databases as well as assist us with the technical aspects of IT. Some proficiency in Microsoft Office would be useful. Please get in touch with us for more details about this role.

Call us on 0208 905 8770 to find out more about our volunteering vacancies and email volunteer@paiwand.com with your CV to apply.

Those who immigrated from other countries find it difficult to understand their employment rights and the complicated legal process if they wish to make a claim. We need legal aid to help our clients make their case at the Employment Tribunal.

If you or your firm is interested in offering pro bono services for our charity, please email us at fahima.zaheen@paiwand.com.