Race relations worker

Race relations worker job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Responsibilities of the job include:

• maintaining records and information systems
• advising about the effects of discrimination
• compiling statistics
• acting as an advocate for members of ethnic minority groups
• presenting the needs of ethnic minority individuals/groups
• promoting change
• preparing/distributing publicity materials and displays
• interpreting legislation
• preparing/making presentations
• researching cases.

Referral and liaison with other relevant organisations (such as community groups) are key features of the work.

Typical employers of race relations workers

• the Equality and Human Rights Commission
• professional associations
• The Law Society
• local authorities
• trade unions
• the Civil Service.

Most people enter and remain within the profession on short/fixed-term contracts. Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers, Adviser Magazine, The Voice newspaper, Asian Times, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) mailings and the Federation of Independent Advice Centres' fortnightly job lists. Speculative approaches to employers are advisable, particularly for work experience placements.

Qualifications and training required

Personality and relevant experience are usually more important than qualifications, although an undergraduate/postgraduate degree in law, psychology, business, management, education, social/community work, public administration or sociology/social sciences can be helpful.

Previous relevant work experience is essential prior to entry into the profession. This can be gained by helping in a local advice centre, citizens advice bureau or students' union welfare office. Many race relations workers enter the profession following a career in teaching, law, social work, housing, welfare rights, health or youth/community work.

Key skills for race relations workers

• good listening skills
• verbal skills
• written communication skills
• maturity
• confidence
• open-mindedness
• patience.