National Service Directory Volunteer

Job Title:National Service Directory Volunteer

Location: Homebased

Job Type: Volunteer, 5-10 hours per week

Closing Date: 25th February 2024

As National Service Directory (database) volunteer, you will contribute to maintaining and perfecting a National Service Directory. Every year we support tens of thousands of people affected by displacement and exploitation across the UK therefore it is crucial to connect our clients with local organisations and services to ensure continuous and holistic support.

The National Service Directory has been created to help our staff provide timely support to clients and have a greater understanding of services available in different parts of the country. As part of your role, you will be reviewing and adding different organisations onto our National Services Directory database ensuring that information is correct and up to date. You will also closely communicate with project leads and complete all the training required for the role.

In order to be a National Service Directory (database) volunteer, you will need to have access to the internet and a laptop or a desktop computer and be comfortable with Microsoft Office basics (for example, Excel and Word).

This role has flexible volunteering e.g. evenings or weekends with some requirement to volunteer within usual service opening hours if needing to contact services by telephone and to attend supervision sessions.

What will you do?

• Help our Strategy and Front-Line teams to keep track of services available in different regions in the UK
• Enter new records in the National Directory database (Microsoft Lists) and ensure that information is accurate
• Regularly review entries and contact organisations confirming their areas of work, contact information and opening hours
• Online research to check information in older records is still valid
• Making telephone calls to service providers to gather relevant information
• Checking new services are legitimate organisations by checking their company status with the Charities Commission or Companies House
• Identifying services that have AQS (Advice Quality Standards)
• Follow guidance and agreed processes.
• Work together with team of volunteers and your volunteer supervisor to identify gaps and areas of improvement
• Signpost organistions who want to learn more about Migrant Help to the Partnerships Manager
• Tracking records completed / outstanding and providing update reports on progress and challenges

What do we expect from you?

• Complete relevant induction and training provided by Migrant Help
• Undergo a criminal conviction check (DBS, PVG or AccessNI) if required
• Commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months, at agreed times
• Attend volunteer support sessions as required
• Complete feedback forms when required highlighting any growth opportunities and honestly communicating what is not working well
• Adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
• Uphold Migrant Help's values
• Complete all relevant documentation as required by volunteer coordinator
• Be open and understanding of different customs, values, and beliefs

What will you not be able to do?

• Volunteer with us if you are under 18
• Frontline work with clients
• Give advice or detailed information about Migrant Helps services (these enquiries should be redirected to the Partnership Manager)

You will be an excellent candidate for this role if you:

• Have spare time to undertake the role on a regular ongoing basis
• Have good I.T Skills
• A confident and polite telephone manner
• Maintain a professional attitude and approach
• Have good communication skills
• Are organised and proactive
• Can work independently as well as part of a team
• Are non-judgmental and inclusive
• Are reliable and focussed
• Are a keen learner
• Have access to internet and computer/laptop/tablet
• Are comfortable using computer or laptop for typing and sending emails, video calls

You will benefit from volunteering with us by:

• Gaining experience useful for your future CVs and cover letters
• Being able to provide a volunteering reference to your future employer or educator
• Being a part of dedicated and inclusive service.
• Developing new skills
• Being more aware of immigration and asylum systems in the UK
• Having reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Having regular check ins and supervision?to support your volunteering experience and growth

We look forward to hearing from everyone, especially if you:

• Have an excellent knowledge of your local areas (particularly Northern Ireland and Scotland)
• Are willing to undertake relevant training
• Have lived experience of trafficking, asylum or immigration systems

Please click on the APPLY button to complete the application form for this role.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Volunteer, National Service Directory, Database, Database Volunteer may also be considered for this role.