administrative assistant Manchester, England
Job description
Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? You could help them to draw on their own strengths to cope with crisis and to rebuild their lives. The British Red Cross is a volunteer led organisation and the UK’s largest independent provider of services and support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Our Refugee Support Admin volunteers help the team as they support refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants, to adjust to life in a new country and to access the help they need. ## **We would like you to:** - Volunteer 8 hours per week (a minimum of 4 hours on Tuesdays plus any other week day) - Volunteer for at least 12 months - Have strong administration and IT skills ## **We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you are (or have been) an asylum seeker or refugee.** ## Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone. **Health and Safety Statement** We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment. We will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [email protected]
Why we want you: Are you passionate about supporting people in crisis? We are looking for enthusiastic Admin volunteers who enjoy being part of a supportive team. You will be friendly and welcoming, and keen to get involved with our diverse activities face to face or remotely. Our Admin volunteers support the team with maintaining records of our work to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. As an Admin volunteer you will help to make people feel comfortable and engaged with the service we provide, whether in person or over the telephone. This is a time that can be particularly distressing for them, we aim to ease the process of adjusting to life in a new country through our support.
- Tasks: Help staff to set up activities
Answer the phone, dealing with new enquiries and taking details
Escalate any safeguarding concerns
Other admin tasks e.g. creating information packs or updating local information
Helping to keep our databases accurate
- Skills: Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers & vulnerable migrants
Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
Experience with using databases would be helpful, but we will provide full training
Speak English; knowledge of another language would be helpful (particularly one used in the current local refugee population)
Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do
- Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a supportive and inclusive team
A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones
All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)
Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role
An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives
