Volunteer Opportunity

Job Title: Immigration and Welfare Adviser

Responsible to: Steps to Settlement Coordinator

Place of Work: 28 Bath Road, Slough

Commitment: Three hours a week for minimum three months

Time: Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays 10am – 1pm

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

To provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees at one of the drop-in sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00am until 12.00 noon.

The tasks include:

  • Welcoming clients, listening to their concerns, problems and plans.
  • Investigating the options available and not available to asylum seekers and refugees.
  • Advising clients on immigration and welfare issues and enabling them to make informed decisions (see below for list of topics client seek advice on).
  • Discussing and agreeing with clients the actions, which they wish to take and/or wish to be taken on their behalf.
  • Liaising on behalf of clients, by telephone and in writing, with voluntary and statutory organizations, including referrals within SRS to Job Club and other activities.
  • Helping with filling forms.
  • Referring clients to relevant organisations as well as to other opportunities provided by SRS such as the Job Club, Spoken English Classes and Citizenship class.

The issues on which clients ask for advice and support include:

Accommodation; Benefit Agency claims; Housing and Council Tax benefits; Immigration including help with Citizenship applications; Social Services and Asylum support; finding work and employment rights; solicitors; GPs, dentists and opticians; nursery, primary, secondary and further education; English language classes; clothing, household and baby equipment.

Through volunteering with us you will:

• be able to access relevant training, including theOffice of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Level One qualification.

• learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers

• work as part of a friendly, welcoming team

• meet new members of your local community

Volunteers are provided with induction, supervision and support. Travel expenses (up to an agreed limit) will be reimbursed.

To apply or for further details please email or call us on 01753 537142.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Effective Communication and Listening skills
  • Sensitivity to different cultures
  • Ability to empathise with the situation of Asylum Seekers and Refugees
  • Ability to work as part of a team and use own initiative
  • Ability to work in partnership with both service users and agencies
  • Ability to record accurate case notes
  • Flexibility
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • IT literate

Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience of working with Asylum Seekers and Refugees
  • Interest in refugee law and policy
  • Knowledge of other languages
  • Interest in working towards Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Level One qualification
  • Ability to work in a changing environment