We are looking for empathetic casework volunteers who will use a professional approach to help refugee families to reunite. Refugee family reunion should be a vital, safe and legal way for refugee families to reunite after they have been torn apart by war and persecution. Access to information about family reunion and support in the preparation of family reunion applications is vital for family reunion to be effective. Our volunteers are a fundamental part of this process. 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. You will be comfortable working independently as well as part of a supportive team, working with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and dealing with complex and personal information. We would like volunteers who; - Be available to volunteer on a regular basis. - Can be flexible to volunteer one full day a week. - Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months. - It would be very helpful if you can speak another language, but this isn't essential. *We're sorry but due to the nature of this role, we cannot accept applications from 16 and 17 year olds. Please check our website for more opportunities in your area.* 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 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: Are you passionate about supporting people hoping to be reunited with their families in the UK? We are looking for empathetic casework volunteers who will use a professional approach to help refugee families to reunite. Refugee family reunion should be a vital, safe and legal way for refugee families to reunite after they have been torn apart by war and persecution. Access to information about family reunion and support in the preparation of family reunion applications is vital for family reunion to be effective. Our volunteers are a fundamental part of this process. 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. You will be comfortable working independently as well as part of a supportive team, working with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and dealing with complex and personal information.
* Tasks: Responding to family reunion enquiries, providing clear information and signposting to solicitors
Leading sensitive and comprehensive phone or face to face interviews with service users and interpreters to assess their family reunion needs
Conducting non-legal related casework which helps with effective evidence gathering
File administration in line with OISC standards (Office for the Immigration Services Commission) including recording accurate and detailed case notes on BRC database
Legal and country of origin research to support the application process
Liaising with third parties to help service users progress their visa application as required
Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding and protection issues
Dealing with confidential information in an appropriate manner at all times
Upholding the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and working within the British Red Cross' Equal Opportunities Policy
* Skills: Awareness of conflict and migration issues and sensitive to cultural issues
Understanding of the asylum process/family reunion process and interested in issues surrounding asylum seekers and refugees in the UK
Empathetic, emotionally resilient and able to use emotional support skills in a calm and responsible manner to deal with challenging or difficult situations
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficient written and spoken English
Understanding of telephone service user work and/or casework, demonstrating excellent communication and proven listening skills
Previous experience of face-to-face client work or casework would be helpful
Organised and good at working independently
An ability to work in a multicultural environment
Personal experience of migration and/or separation due to conflict or natural disaster would be an asset
Flexible and able to prioritise own workload
Fluency in English; knowledge of another language would be helpful (particularly one used in current local refugee populations)
IT literate and a willingness to learn and use the service casework management database
Respect and follow our confidentiality policy
Ideally able to commit to the role for at least 12 months and at least 1 day per week
Ability to work remotely without physical supervision
Willing to complete a criminal record check
Willing to commit to ongoing training and development
* Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a dynamic 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 including for attending training
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.