International Family Tracing Casework Volunteer Manchester

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 accuraterecords onto our database. This isnt always easy and theres 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.Youllneed access to a phone and computer as youll mostly volunteer from home.Wed like you to be able to volunteer:2 days a weekFlexible Monday to FridayFor 12 monthsIt would be really helpful if you can speak another language, but this isnt essential.We wouldbe particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.Health and Safety StatementWe take an individual approach to ensuring your safety.We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment. We will also havea conversation with you to discuss any restrictions that may still be in place in your region and identify any adjustments you may need.More about this roleVolunteer roleInternational Family Tracing Casework VolunteerVolunteer managerBRC ManagerWhere you willbe basedOfficeWhy we want youWe 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 isvital. 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.What you will be doingLeading sensitive and comprehensive conversationsand interviews with people to find out about the family they are trying to contactAnalysing the information given and using IFT service knowledge of the familys country to agree a plan of actionRecording accurate and detailed case notes and completing tracingformsWorking sensitively with unaccompanied and separated childrenCarrying out local searches (in pairs) and research to find people in the UKSignposting to other organisations where appropriateKeeping the service casework management database up to dateTheskills you needStrong written and verbal communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrantsEmotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situationsAble to calmlysupport people who are in distressPrevious experience of face to face client work or casework would be helpfulAble to work independently as well as part of a teamAn ability to work in a multicultural environmentRespect and follow our confidentiality policyFluencyin 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 databaseIdeally able to commit to the role for at least 12months and at least half a day per weekWilling to complete a criminal record checkWilling to commit to ongoing training and developmentWhats in it for youMeet new people and be part of a supportive and inclusive teamA great opportunity to develop your existingskills and gain new onesAll training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending trainingAn opportunity to be part of the worlds largest humanitarian organisation andthe knowledge that you are making a difference to peoples livesDisclaimerHealth 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 todiscuss any restrictions that may still be in place in your region and identify any adjustments you may need.