Volunteer Opportunity – Asylum Services Volunteer (Family Rights or Destitution Service)

To read our frequently asked questions about volunteering with us, please visit the volunteering page at
www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

Scottish Refugee Council is committed to assisting asylum seekers and refugees to settle into life in Scotland. Our Services team is responsible for meeting with asylum seekers and refugees to provide direct advice on issues such as housing, benefits and finance, education, training and volunteering opportunities. This includes projects for newly arrived asylum seeking families, people whose claims for asylum have been refused and people granted leave to remain. 

This volunteer role is for people who will be assisting the Family Rights or the Destitution team within the wider Services department:

• The Family Rights Service supports parents and children through every step of their asylum journey
• The Destitute Asylum Seeker Service (DASS) provides practical advice and support for destitute people who have had an asylum claim rejected and have No Recourse to Public Funds

As a volunteer with of these teams you will play a key role, working closely with advisers, to support people in accessing their rights in Scotland. 

What will I be doing?

You will be supporting Family Rights Case Managers or Destitution Advisers in supporting and advocating for people going through the asylum process including children. Working as part of a team of staff and volunteers, you will help identify people’s needs and ensure that they get the support they need.

Duties include;

• Assisting with GP registration and appointments with GPs.
• Assisting with nursery/ school/ college/ESOL class registrations
• Assisting with families’ school grants application and travel application forms
• Signposting and referring people to food and clothing banks
• Explaining different NHS services
• Linking people with lawyers and supporting them to submit a fresh asylum claim
• Recording data gathered on the case management system
• Ongoing welfare checks to reduce isolation and improve well-being.
• Link people and children with their local areas and services.
• Identify services required such as gyms, clubs, integration networks and volunteering opportunities

What skills or qualities do I need?

Effective communication and listening skills

• A strong ability to show empathy with the needs of asylum seekers and refugees
• Ability to record information accurately and on time
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Reliability, punctuality and trustworthiness
• An understanding of Equal Opportunities
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries

What do I get out of it?

• The chance to work with and support asylum seekers and refugees
• The opportunity to be part of an exciting and rewarding service
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and work with a number of external partners
• Ongoing training and development
• Your expenses reimbursed

To protect all our volunteers and service users this role is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.

How to Apply?

• Deadline for applications: September 15 Sunday, 12 midnight
• Click here to complete the volunteer application form
• We will contact you soon after the deadline to invite you to a volunteer interview.

Do you have any questions about the volunteer role?
Contact our volunteering team at  volunteering@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk.

Need support or information about he application process?
Please email us at volunteering@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk, or read our Frequently Asked Questions