Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer (Ashton-under-Lyne)

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? You could help them to draw on their own strengths to cope with crisis and to rebuild their lives. The British Red Cross is a volunteer led organisation and the UK’s largest independent provider of services and support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Our Casework volunteers work one-to-one with refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants at a time which many will find difficult and distressing. We help to make sure people have choices and opportunities available to them to move forward with their lives in a new country. ## **We would like you to:** - Volunteer on Thursdays from 10:00 until 14:00 - Volunteer for a minimum of 12 months ## *Some previous experience of casework would be helpful.* ## We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you are (or have been) an asylum seeker or refugee. 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 and 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 volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk
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