Post-Detention Support Project – Volunteer Caseworker

Keywords

Immigration Listening Skills Support Training Given

Description

The UK is the only country in Europe where it is permitted to hold people in immigration detention for an indefinite amount of time. People are held in immigration removal centres, or in prison, without being told when they will be released. This is not decided on by the courts, but rather by civil servants under the direction of the Home Secretary. Conditions are often very bleak, and there have been numerous instances of failings in the system that have left people suffering terribly. For those who have come to the UK to seek sanctuary, the conditions inside immigration removal centres can add further trauma and suffering on top of that which they have experienced in their home country, and on the journey to the UK. For those who have been in the UK the majority of their lives, and who have lost their leave to remain, immigration detention can make them feel alien in the country that they call home.

The Post-Detention Support Project seeks to help those who have been released from indefinite immigration detention, and who have no leave to remain in the UK. We advise them on their entitlements, and ensure that they are able to access them, helping solve any problems the clients may encounter. The project helps them get set up in the area to which they are dispersed, and start to rebuild their lives. Caseworkers will provide signposting to organisations and refer clients where appropriate. We encourage creative, empowering solutions to client’s well-being concerns. Volunteers will also engage with clients during welfare calls, to give clients the space to explore their feelings.

Volunteers are required to attend two days of training, in which they will learn about the immigration system, as well as the workings of the detention estate, and the support to which people on immigration bail are entitled. Training will also cover the ways in which vulnerable callers can be supported, and caseworkers can provide empathetic, active-listening. All of the casework that a volunteer will be expected to do will be explained.

Volunteers will be mentored by experienced staff in their first shifts, and will be supervised by professional caseworkers at all times.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 1 3-hour shift a week, for at least 3 months. Volunteering takes place remotely, and volunteers are issued with a laptop to do this.

What rewards come with volunteering, and how does it create meaningful change?

You will receive training, learn about the immigration system and that of the detention estate and be supported by a professional caseworker. You will be giving clients the chance to explore their feelings by listening to them.

Requirements

Essential

• Excellent, empathetic telephone manner 
• Excellent communication and listening skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of diverse peoples
• Computer literacy including experience word processing, database/CRM record-keeping and internet skills
• Commitment to protecting people seeking asylum and other migrants’ rights
• Ability to organise and prioritise a workload
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills 
• A high standard of written and spoken English 

Desirable

• General understanding of the asylum support system and immigration detention

• Experience of working with people at risk of harm and exploitation
• Experience working with people with mental health needs
• Monitoring, evaluation and report writing experience
• Knowledge of welfare rights and entitlements
• Experience of managing a budget
• Knowledge of an additional language and experience of immigration detention is highly desirable

• Experience of other cultures, immigration or race equality, paid or voluntary
• Commitment to the principles of equal opportunities
• Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality and GDPR compliance 
• Understanding of and commitment to safeguarding
• Ability to work flexibly including occasionally outside normal office hours