International Family Tracing Casework Volunteer (Bristol) Bristol, England
Job description
We help families who have been separated by armed conflict, political upheaval, natural disaster or migration to get back in contact with each other. Our casework volunteers sensitively interview people to collect detailed information and enter accurate records onto our database. This isn’t always easy and there’s lots to learn, so you will be shadowing caseworkers and training for about 6 to 12 months. When we are confident that you know the role inside out you will be able to do this on your own. ## Please note that this will be a hybrid role (home and office based). ## **We would like you to:** - Volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per week (daytime hours, Wednesday to Friday) - Volunteer for at least 6 months ## **This role might be for you if:** - You have strong IT skills and are confident in using various IT systems - You have lived experience of the asylum seeking process or have provided support in this area before - You have strong English language skills (both written and verbal) ## It would be very helpful if you can speak a second language, but this isn’t essential. ## **We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.** ## 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: We are looking for empathetic casework volunteers who will use a professional approach to help separated families get back in contact. Knowing what happened to family members left behind or who have migrated around the world is vital. Our volunteers are there to help them reconnect. Due to the intensity and complexity of parts of our services, it is essential that our casework volunteers work to the highest standards so that we can provide a safe, high quality and effective service. You will be comfortable working independently as well as part of a supportive team, working with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and dealing with complex and personal information.
- Tasks: Leading sensitive and comprehensive conversations and interviews with people to find out about the family they are trying to contact
Analysing the information given and using IFT service knowledge of the family’s country to agree a plan of action
Recording accurate and detailed case notes and completing ‘tracing’ forms
Working sensitively with unaccompanied and separated children
Carrying out local searches (in pairs) and research to find people in the UK
Signposting to other organisations where appropriate
Keeping the service casework management database up to date
- Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
Able to calmly support people who are in distress
Previous experience of face to face client work or casework would be helpful
Able to work independently as well as part of a team
An ability to work in a multicultural environment
Respect and follow our confidentiality policy
Fluency in English; knowledge of another language would be helpful (particularly one used in current local refugee populations)
IT literate and a willingness to learn and use the service casework management database
Ideally able to commit to the role for at least 12 months and at least one day per week
Willing to complete a criminal record check
Willing to commit to ongoing training and development
- 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 including for attending training
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
