Volunteer Assessor (Immigration)
Volunteer Assessor (Immigration)
Asylum Aid (previously merged with Migrants Resource Centre under Consonant) is, and has long been, a leader in the Immigration and NGO sector: providing high-level legal support to ensure the protection of vulnerable refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Now, in its 30th year of providing high quality legal and welfare support - our services are needed more than ever.
Through our Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), with Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, DeafPlus and Groundwork London, we are able to provide vital support for the most vulnerable people living in Westminster who are struggling to meet their needs. This partnership allows us to provide important support to those for whom English is not their first language. These individuals often find themselves destitute with money problems, no employment, problems with immigration and housing. The focus of Asylum Aid’s welfare advice team is on migrant and vulnerable communities. Our assistance can be transformative for individuals, and we are determined to do more to reach and support vulnerable people seeking safety.
Asylum Aid runs a drop-in information hub every Monday, as well as an advice phoneline on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where Westminster residents can get support and advice in a range of areas, such as employment, housing and immigration. We are looking for a volunteer to support us at the information hub, specifically in carrying out client interviews and gateway sessions for clients seeking immigration advice. There we will also be the opportunity to work closely with and shadow solicitors. We particularly encourage residents of Westminster borough and surrounding boroughs to apply.
Volunteers will be trained on the job and will have to opportunity to attend thematic training, as well as receiving on-going support and supervision.
Main tasks and activities
- Gateway Assessor and Advice:
- Conducting initial client assessments.
- Conducting client interviews (by telephone and in person) to understand client problems and identify key information such as time limits.
- Signposting/Referral; Referring and signposting clients appropriately (both internally and externally) following agreed protocols, including making appointments and informing clients of what they can expect.
- Input data in excel and Advice pro.
- Assisting immigration solicitors with sending letters to clients, contact clients, etc.
- Assisting clients with general form filling, making phone call to agencies to resolve simple problems with benefit, housing, employers etc.
- Case Recording:
- All clients’ cases are recorded for quality assurance purposes, and to ensure that the client can be offered an efficient service if the client requires further advice or the case becomes more complex. Your supervisor will discuss case recording with you.
Skills and experience needed
- Fluent in English
- Strong Teamwork and ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person and over the telephone
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Ability to research, analyse and explain complex information
- Basic numeracy skills and ability to use IT to carry out basic keyboard and data entry work
- Confident when dealing with people
- Friendly and approachable
- Remain calm in stressful situations
- Sensitive to the needs of others
- Open minded and non-judgmental
- Punctuality and regular attendance
- Willingness to develop, learn new skills and embrace change
- You must be willing to develop a clear understanding of, and commitment to, Equality and Diversity, incorporating this into all aspects of your work
- Desirable, not essential: some experience or understanding of immigration and asylum systems
- Desirable, not essential: ability to speak fluently in a community language (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi)
- Westminster residents are particularly encouraged to apply.
Download full job description here.