At a Glance
- Tasks: Support caseworkers in helping refugees access vital services and opportunities.
- Company: Join the British Red Cross, a leading humanitarian organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, training, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Other info: Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and personal experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, willingness to learn, and commitment to volunteering.
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.
- Must be available every Thursday morning between 10am and 12.30pm, and potentially additional hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm.
- Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.
- Ability to deal sensitively with people presenting with symptoms of trauma.
- Knowledge of the asylum system and asylum support system will be advantageous.
- Have your own IT equipment.
- The ability to speak a second language would be an advantage.
The role is based at the British Red Cross office in Hull and in the community. 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.
Princes Avenue, Hull, HU5 3QP, United Kingdom
Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Hull) employer: Cash Hub
The British Red Cross in Hull offers a rewarding volunteering experience where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in crisis. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth through training and development opportunities. Volunteers are not only reimbursed for expenses but also become part of a compassionate team dedicated to providing vital support to refugees and asylum seekers, making it an excellent place to contribute your skills and empathy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Hull)
✨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 Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Hull)
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!
