Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer Leeds

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.You willbe able to volunteer:7 hours per week (during Monday-Friday 9-5)for at least 6 monthsbased at home or at our Leeds OfficeYou will have access to a phone and laptop/computerThis advert will close on 31st October. We will be in contact with you after this date.Wewould be 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 alsohave 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 More about this roleVolunteer roleRefugee Support -Casework VolunteerVolunteer managerBRC ManagerWhere you will be basedOfficeWhy we want youAre you passionate about supporting people in crisisWe are looking for empathetic and professional casework volunteers to help people access the vital services and opportunitiesthey 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 ourcasework volunteers work to the highest standards so that we can provide a safe, high quality and effective service.What you will be doingGiving one to one support to people e.g. advice on accommodation and healthcareLeading sensitive and comprehensive conversationsand interviews with people to assess their needsAgreeing a plan of action to help people access their rights and entitlementsUsing your Red Cross training to give emotional support to adults and childrenMaintaining client databasesReferring people to othersupport services e.g. mental health and loneliness supportWorking effectively with interpreters as well as people from the Home Office and other charitiesIdentifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding and protection issuesThe skills you needStrongcommunication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrantsAble to volunteer in a multicultural environmentEmotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situationsPreviousexperience of face to face client work or casework would be helpfulSpeak 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 doWilling tocomplete a criminal record checkWhats in it for youMeet new people and be part of a supportive and inclusive teamA great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new onesAll training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)Reasonablepre-agreed travel expensesAn opportunity to be part of the worlds largest humanitarian organisation and the 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 to discuss any restrictions that may still be in place in your region and identify any adjustments you may need.