At a Glance
- Tasks: Help reunite families by providing essential interpretation and translation services.
- Company: Join the British Red Cross, a leading humanitarian organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and meet new people while making a difference.
- Other info: Commit to a minimum of 12 months and enjoy ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and help vulnerable individuals during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Fluency in Somali and English, with strong communication skills.
International Family Tracing Interpreter Volunteer (Newcastle - Somali)
British Red Cross volunteers and staff help families who have been separated by armed conflict, political upheaval, natural disaster or migration to get back in contact with each other.
In these situations, communications often break down and families become separated.
As a result, people do not know where to turn to find a missing relative or how to get a message to them.
Knowing what happened to family members left behind or who have migrated around the world is vital.
Our Interpreter volunteers provide an essential communication link between people who use our service and the volunteers and staff supporting them.
Many do not speak English as their first language and rely on high quality and confidential interpretation and translation to relay their personal information.
We help them to find a way forward at a what can be a difficult and distressing time.
We would like you to
- Be available to volunteer on a regular basis.
- Be available to volunteer for one 3 to 4 hour shift per week between Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
- Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.
- Be fluent in communicating and translating Somali.
- Have a good standard of spoken and written English.
- Have access to a smartphone and computer if possible.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.
Unfortunately we aren't able to accept applications from 15 - 17 year olds for this role. Please get in touch and we can support you to find another role in your area.
- Where you will be based
- Office
- Why we want you
We are looking for empathetic and professional interpreters who inspire confidence that conversations are being interpreted correctly and anything written, including people's messages to family, is being translated accurately.
Our Interpreter volunteers are friendly and welcoming and enjoy being part of our supportive and diverse team.
Due to the intensity and complexity of parts of our services, it is essential that our Interpreter volunteers work to the highest standards so that we can provide a safe, high quality and effective service.
- What you will be doing
- Interpreting verbatim in one to one or group sessions to help people using our service communicate with others
- Written translation to complete required forms/paperwork
- Using your Red Cross Training to give emotional support to adults and children
- The skills you need
- Experience in interpreting and ideally trained or professionally qualified in interpreting
- Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
- Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
- Able to verbally interpret and translate fluently in the specified language
- Able to write in the language (as well as in English)
- Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
- Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do
- Willing to complete a criminal record check
- Willing to commit to ongoing training and development
- What's in it for you
- 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 for the role including for attending training
- 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
- 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 and identify any adjustments you may need.
Croft House, Western Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE4 8SR, United Kingdom
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Family Tracing Interpreter Volunteer (Newcastle - Somali)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace International Family Tracing Interpreter Volunteer (Newcastle - Somali)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Cash Hub, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Cash Hub.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cash Hub
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Cash Hub and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
