Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer (Reading - Ref Q4-140) Reading, England
Job description
British Red Cross volunteers help thousands of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants every year enabling people to draw upon their own strengths to withstand crisis and rebuild their lives. Our casework volunteers work one-to-one with refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants at a time which many will find particularly difficult and distressing. We help to ensure people have choices and opportunities made available to them to find a way forward and start their lives in a new country. ## **We would like you to:** - Volunteer 1 day per week from 10:00 until 16:00 (flexible, Monday-Friday) - Volunteer for a minimum of 12 months - Have good IT skills - Have a phone and access to a computer/laptop (these can be provided if necessary) ## **Whilst this role is primarily based in Reading, there may be requirement to travel to High Wycombe and so ideally applicants will be located between these 2 locations.** ## *We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.* ## 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 any restrictions that may still be in place in your region 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 empathetic and professional casework volunteers to help people access the vital services and opportunities they need. You will enjoy being part of a supportive team, working to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and dealing with complex and personal information. 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.
- Tasks: Giving one to one support to people e.g. advice on accommodation and healthcare
Leading sensitive and comprehensive conversations and interviews with people to assess their needs
Agreeing a plan of action to help people access their rights and entitlements
Using your Red Cross training to give emotional support to adults and children
Maintaining client databases
Referring people to other support services e.g. mental health and loneliness support
Working effectively with interpreters as well as people from the Home Office and other charities
Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding and protection issues
- Skills: Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
Previous experience of face to face client work or casework would be helpful
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
Willing to complete a criminal record check
- 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
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
