At a Glance
- Tasks: Support refugees and vulnerable migrants through one-to-one casework and emotional guidance.
- Company: Join the British Red Cross, the UK's largest independent provider for refugees.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, training, and cover for travel expenses while making a real difference.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; we welcome all backgrounds, including those with refugee experience.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team and help people rebuild their lives in a new country.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to volunteering for at least 12 months.
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.
- Commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week, from 10am to 2pm either Tuesdays or Thursdays (or both), based in our Sheffield office S9 2RX.
- Be compassionate and resilient, with empathy for people affected by migration and displacement.
- Be able to support people dealing with trauma and once trained, manage safeguarding concerns in line with British Red Cross policies and procedures.
- Have good spoken and written English.
- 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.
Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring yourauthentic selfto 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 and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need.
Unfortunately, we can’t 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.
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
Unit 24, Bradbury House Jessops Riverside, Sheffield, Sheffield, S9 2RX, United Kingdom
Impactful Refugee Caseworker (Volunteer) in Sheffield employer: Cash Hub
The British Red Cross offers a rewarding volunteer experience as a Stock Assistant in Wantage, where you can make a meaningful impact while being part of a diverse and inclusive team. With flexible hours, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to develop new skills, you'll not only contribute to your local community but also connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for helping others. Join us and be part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation, where your efforts truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Impactful Refugee Caseworker (Volunteer) in Sheffield
✨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!
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!