Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? 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 Interpreter volunteers help communication between people who use our service and our volunteers/staff supporting them, by providing confidential interpretation and translation. We help them to find a way forward and start their lives in a new country. We would like you to: - Be able to volunteer on a regular weekly basis. - Be available every Wednesday from 9am to 5pm with occasional evening work (up to 8pm) outside Belfast, and occasionally Tuesdays. - Be fluent in Somali. - Have a high level of English. - Have confidence in public speaking as the role involves group interpreting. - Can commit to volunteer for at least 6 months. We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you are (or have been) an asylum seeker or refugee. 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. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at
Why we want you: We are looking for empathetic and professional interpreters who can inspire confidence that people's messages are translated correctly and that their information will be kept secure. Our Interpreter volunteers are friendly and welcoming and enjoy being part of our supportive and diverse team. Due to the intensity and complexity of parts of our services, it is essential that our Interpreter volunteers work to the highest standards so that we can provide a safe, high quality and effective service.
* Tasks: Interpreting and translating verbatim in one to one or group situations to help people using our service communicate with others. This could be face to face locally, or remotely locally or nationally.
Translation of forms or guidance
Written translation to complete required forms/paperwork
Use your Red Cross training to give emotional support to adults and children
* Skills: Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
Able to verbally interpret and translate fluently in the specified language
Able to write in the language (as well as in English) would be helpful
Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
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)
Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role
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