Hours: 7-9 Hours Per Month

NEST Volunteer

Hours: 7-9 hours per month

Background: NEST caseworkers look at asylum cases where the client wants to submit a fresh claim and needs new evidence in order to do so. Cases are referred to us by the Red Cross. Our role is to read carefully through the existing documentation on each case and suggest possible evidence that the clients might find to support their claims (e.g. letters from their country of origin, birth certificates, etc.). Often, our work involves going slowly over the case with the client in order to sort out those details which have become confused through multiple interview transcripts and (mis-)translations.

Role Description

-read documents (e.g. Home Office decision letters, tribunal judgements, etc) associated with asylum cases (approximately 4-5 hours per month);

-identify pieces of evidence which the client may be able to obtain to support their claim;

-arrange meetings with client (duration approx 1-2 hours each) to discuss their case and keep in contact with client between meetings - most cases require 2 meetings;

-take notes during client meetings and write a short report about case once work is completed;

-use LCoS gmail account to keep in regular email contact with the NEST Group Leader;

-attend monthly meeting (duration approx 2 hours) with the NEST Group Leader and other caseworkers to report on progress and/or ask questions about ongoing cases.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience

-awareness of, and/or sensitivity to, hardships that asylum-seekers might have experienced or still be experiencing;

-experience of using gmail and google drive or willingness to learn to use these tools;

-prior experience of using the internet for research is required;

-prior experience of conducting interviews on sensitive topics and/or with vulnerable clients is desirable.

No qualifications are required for this role: training will be provided for all new caseworkers.

Skills / Abilities

-ability to work successfully with people from a range of cultural backgrounds;

-ability to work in a team - each case has two assigned caseworkers;

-ability to ask questions sensitively when dealing with subjects that the clients may feel uncomfortable talking about (e.g. sexuality, torture);

-ability to use the internet for conducting background research;

-a good listener - this may be the first time that anyone has taken the time to listen carefully to the client’s story.

All enquiries about this role should be forwarded to:

Process:

Complete the online application form: