Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer (Chorley - Q4-131c)

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 on Fridays from 9:30 until 14:00 - Volunteer for 2+ years - Ideally, candidates should be based in Chorley or within 30 minutes of our drop-in location. ## *You will be based at one of our drop-in hubs in Chorley. However, you may occasionally be asked to support in other local areas around Leyland and Fulwood, Preston.* ## **We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker. Additional languages and the ability to drive are desirable but not essential.** ## 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 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