Skip to main content

Volunteer as a Women’s Group Caseworker

Volunteer as a Women’s Group Caseworker

Volunteer Role: Women’s Group Caseworker

Time: Wednesday (term time) – 9 am – 1 pm

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) is a non-political humanitarian organisation helping asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants in the Portsmouth postcode. We are proud to be supported by a number of local organisations, projects and services. With values of compassion, community and choice we are committed to welcoming, orientating and advocating for clients. Our dedicated team makes this happen.

What you will be doing:

The HAVEN Women’s Group is a safe and welcoming space providing face-to-face and group support for women who may have experienced gender based violence.

Women’s Group Casework Volunteers will assist refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrant women by providing casework, orientation and advocacy support, as well as signposting to key agencies.

The women supported by HAVEN Women’s Group may have experienced gender based violence such as forced marriage, domestic or sexual violence, female genital  mutilation or other harmful practices. As a Casework Volunteer you will assist in carrying out female needs assessments using a trauma informed approach. Casework Volunteers will be provided with training for this role.

As a Women’s Group Caseworker Volunteer you may:

  • Carry out female needs assessments with clients to determine how best to orientate them
  • Where necessary, make or assist clients to make contact with key agencies
  • Help other volunteers and partner agencies provide a safe and welcoming space at HAVEN
  • Assist with any group activities
  • Assist in setting and clearing up of HAVEN
  • Basic food and refreshment preparation for the group
  • Be alert to any potential safeguarding issues and raise them with the PCoS Safeguarding Leads at HAVEN (basic safeguarding training is provided to volunteers).

Skills/qualities you will need for this role:

  • Caring and supportive
  • A good listener
  • Friendly and encouraging
  • A patient and calm approach
  • Good communicator
  • Attention to detail
  • General knowledge of IT
  • Ability to prioritise
  • Enjoy being part of a team
  • Reliability and good-time management
  • Willingness to learn – training will be provided for new Women’s Group Casework Volunteers.
  • Enthusiasm and support for PCoS and its projects

This role may suit someone with knowledge of the asylum process but is not essential as training will be provided.

References: Yes
DBS: Yes (carried out by PCoS)
Age: 18 years minimum

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary volunteers are offered:

  • Full induction
  • Training for new volunteers
  • Regular support – and to be part of a dedicated and supportive team
  • Access to other PCoS volunteering opportunities
  • Opportunity to join team social events

If you are interested in this role, please email the  [email protected]

Posted: July 2024

Image courtesy: With thanks to Ketut Subiyanto