At a Glance
- Tasks: Support refugees and vulnerable migrants through one-to-one casework and emotional support.
- Company: Join the British Red Cross, the UK's largest independent provider of refugee services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, meet new people, and have your travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Volunteering available once a week; commitment for at least 12 months required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and empathy for those in crisis; previous client work experience is a plus.
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:
- Be available to volunteer on a regular basis. Can volunteer once a week, Wednesdays from 10am to 1:30pm.
- Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker. Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants will be asked to provide ID documents in support of the DBS check. 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.
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.
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.
What you will be doing:
- 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
- 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
The skills you need:
- 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
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
- 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 Volunteer (Derby) employer: Cash Hub
Contact Detail:
Cash Hub Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer (Derby)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your community or online who are involved with refugee support. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly to the British Red Cross.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the organisation, share why you care about supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Your genuine enthusiasm can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Brush up on your communication skills and think about how you would handle sensitive conversations. Practising with a friend can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and what we’re looking for in a volunteer.
We think you need these skills to ace Refugee Support - Casework Volunteer (Derby)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting refugees and vulnerable migrants shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Highlight the skills that make you a great fit for this role. Whether it's your strong communication skills or your experience in face-to-face client work, be specific about how these skills will help you support those in need.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing and demonstrate how your background aligns with the responsibilities and values of the British Red Cross.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this rewarding journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cash Hub
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to support refugees and vulnerable migrants. Be ready to share your personal motivations and experiences that connect you to this role. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Organisation
Research the British Red Cross and its mission. Understand their values, services, and the specific challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. This knowledge will help you answer questions more effectively and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Practice Empathy in Your Responses
Since this role requires strong communication skills and empathy, think of examples from your past where you've supported someone in need. Practising how to articulate these experiences will help you convey your suitability for the role during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the training process. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your expectations and values.