At a Glance
- Tasks: Support caseworkers in helping refugees access vital services and opportunities.
- Company: Join the world's largest humanitarian organisation, the British Red Cross.
- Benefits: Gain new skills, meet diverse people, and have your expenses covered.
- Other info: Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and promoting kindness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and support others.
Are you passionate about supporting people in crisis and interested in developing your skills as a caseworker? Then this role is for you, and it doesn’t require any previous knowledge.
We would like you to:
- Be available to volunteer on a regular basis.
- Be available for 4 hours each week on Thursdays between 9.30am to 1.30pm.
- Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 24 months.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker. 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 welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us. 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. 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.
Where you will be based: Hybrid
Why we want you: We need caseworker support volunteers to assist caseworkers to help people who have experienced Displacement and Migration to access our services in person or remotely. We are looking for empathetic casework support volunteers to help people access the vital services and opportunities they need. You will enjoy being part of a supportive team, who will guide and train you to develop the skills you need to become one of our casework volunteers.
What you will be doing:
- Shadowing & supporting caseworkers to learn how to give support to people e.g., advice on accommodation, accessing legal support, education and healthcare, signposting where appropriate and agreeing a plan of action to help people access their rights and entitlements.
- Assist with assessing service users' needs face to face or remotely.
- Through assessment identify protection needs faced by our service users and escalate these to our caseworkers.
- Helping to maintain our service user databases.
- Performing general casework administrative duties, e.g., booking appointments or recording enquiries.
- Provision of destitution support if instructed by a caseworker.
- Provision of appropriate information or signposting as instructed by a caseworker.
- Working with interpreters to establish people's needs.
- Provision of trauma informed emotional support.
The skills you need:
- A willingness to develop your understanding of trauma informed practice.
- A willingness to develop your skills & knowledge through shadowing, training and reading.
- Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment.
- Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations.
- Able to speak English (If you can speak another language commonly used within the local refugee population this would also be helpful).
- Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do.
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).
- Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ability to get involved in other opportunities within the BRC.
- 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.
Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Preston) employer: Cash Hub
Joining the British Red Cross as a Casework Support Volunteer in Preston offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to diversity and accessibility, the organisation ensures that volunteers are not out of pocket for expenses and provides comprehensive training to enhance your capabilities. You'll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to helping those in crisis, all while gaining invaluable experience within the world's largest humanitarian organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Preston)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your community or online who are involved with refugee support. They can give you insider tips and might even know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteering at local organisations, like the Red Cross, is a fantastic way to build your skills and show your commitment. Plus, it looks great on your CV!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research common questions for casework roles and think about how your experiences, especially if you've been a refugee or asylum seeker, can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Preston)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your authentic self shine through! We want to know who you are and what drives your passion for supporting people in crisis. Don’t be afraid to share your personal experiences or motivations.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Casework Support Volunteer. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re not directly related. Show us how your background can contribute to our mission of helping those in need.
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for volunteers who can commit to at least 24 months. In your application, emphasise your availability and willingness to volunteer regularly. This shows us that you’re serious about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it makes it easier for you to track your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cash Hub
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what the role of a Casework Support Volunteer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and think about how your skills and experiences align with them. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about supporting people in crisis, so make sure to convey your passion for helping others. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to volunteer, especially if you have experience as a refugee or asylum seeker. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how they support volunteers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Emotional Resilience
Given the nature of the work, emotional resilience is key. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past and how you plan to maintain your well-being while supporting others. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your commitment to self-care.
