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Volunteer as a Client Caseworker

Volunteer as a Client Caseworker

Volunteer Role: Client Caseworker

Location: Refugee Hub,All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Rd, Portsmouth, PO1 4BT
Time: Monday: 9.30am-1.30pm, Tuesday-Thursday: 9am-1pm (other locations)

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:

As a Casework Volunteer you will assist refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants by providing casework, orientation and advocacy support, as well as signposting to key agencies.  

Casework volunteering takes place at the Refugee Hub on Monday mornings at All Saints Church, Commercial Rd, Portsmouth.  There are also opportunities to be  a Casework Volunteer from Tuesday – Thursday (at other locations in the City).  The Refugee Hub is a weekly drop-in service (no appointment required).  During Hub sessions food and refreshments are available to clients, as well as the option to join a free English class or access other services (Citizens Advice Portsmouth who can provide Immigration Advice, Portsmouth City Council Community Connectors, Stop Domestic Abuse, Palladium, The Parenting Network, Aspex Portsmouth).

As a Volunteer Caseworker you may:

  • Carry out needs assessments with clients to determine how best to orientate them
  • Where necessary, make or assist clients to make contact with key agencies
  • Help clients become independent as soon as possible
  • Be alert to any potential safeguarding issues and raise them with the PCoS Safeguarding Leads (basic safeguarding training is provided to volunteers).

Casework Volunteers are supported by Staff Members and other Casework 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 and a buddy will be provided for new 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

 

Posted:  August 2024

 

Image courtesy: Kebu on Unsplash