Refugee Support - Casework Support Volunteer (Glasgow)

British Red Cross Volunteer; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A humanitarian organization in Glasgow seeks dedicated volunteers to assist caseworkers in supporting individuals in crisis. No previous knowledge is needed, and full training will be provided. This role offers an enriching experience in a multicultural setting along with a chance to develop valuable skills while making a significant difference in people's lives.

Benefits

Meet new people and be part of a supportive team

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

All training and induction free of charge

Qualifications

• No previous knowledge required; position is open to those from diverse backgrounds.
• A minimum commitment of 12 months is essential.
• Experience as an asylum seeker or refugee is valued.

Responsibilities

• Shadow and support caseworkers in providing assistance.
• Help assess service users' needs face to face or remotely.
• Maintain service user databases.

Skills

Willingness to develop understanding of trauma informed practice

Ability to volunteer in a multicultural environment

Emotional resilience

English proficiency

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting people in crisis and interested in developing your skills as a caseworker? This role does not require any previous knowledge.

We would like you to:

• Be available to volunteer on a regular weekly basis.
• Can volunteer 1 or 2 days a week from 9:30am to 4pm on a Monday, Tuesday and/or Thursday.
• Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you are (or have been) an asylum seeker or refugee. We’re sorry that at the moment we can’t always host 15 – 17 year olds; do get in touch and we can let you know what other suitable opportunities there may be near you. 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

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.

If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.