Job Title: Conversational English Befriender – Volunteer
Location: Kent
Job Type: Volunteering role
Hours: Twice a month for at least 3 months
Closing Date: 30th June 2024
Please note that this is a Voluntary role and therefore will be unpaid.
As volunteer English language befriender, you will provide one to one befriending support to migrants living in Kent focusing on practising English and building confidence to speak it.
You will play an important role in helping our clients integrate into local communities by introducing them to local amenities, historical sites, local customs, local ‘slang’ and life in the UK.
You will encourage Migrant Help clients to access locally available services and support by completing research together online or locally available media.
English language befrienders are crucial in complimenting existing Migrant Help services by providing one to one English support to our clients.
What will you do?
- Provide bi-/weekly one to one befriending support to refugees with focus on practising English
- Led by befriendee, you will identify different ways to practise English and use those methods in your meetings.
- Where needed, you will introduce your befriendee to the area and provide cultural/social orientation (for example, showing what supermarket is most affordable, where they can get fresh fruits and vegetables)
- Visit local amenities and cultural centres with your befriendee
- Be empathetic and patient in sessions
- Provide encouragement to speak English and create a safe environment to make mistakes and build confidence
- Provide ongoing feedback to VC throughout the duration of the project
- Report any safeguarding or confidentiality breach concerns to your volunteer supervisor as soon as possible.
What do we expect from you?
- Complete relevant induction and training provided by Migrant Help
- Undergo a criminal conviction check (DBS, PVG or AccessNI).
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum of 3 months, at agreed times.
- Attend volunteer support sessions as required.
- Complete feedback forms when required highlighting any growth opportunities and honestly communicating what is not working well
- Adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
- Uphold Migrant Help’s values.
- Start volunteering at an agreed time and be punctual
- Complete all relevant documentation as required by volunteer coordinator
- Be open and understanding of different customs, values, and beliefs
What will you not be able to do?
- Volunteer with us if you are under 18.
- Exchange contact information with clients
- Buy gifts, food or lend or give/receive money to/from clients
- Carry out casework tasks, such as, complete benefits applications, liaise with local authorities or refer to other services or provide immigration advice
You will be an excellent candidate for this role if you:
- Are fluent in English
- Have spare time to befriend someone bi-/weekly for at least 3 months.
- Are willing to work with diverse range of people
- Have non-judgmental and inclusive attitude
- Have friendly and approachable nature
- Are reliable and punctual
- Can use MS Office, Zoom and MS Teams platforms.
- Are patient and empathetic when listening to others
- Are a keen learner
About Migrant Help:
Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential.
We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work.
At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.
Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process.
Please click on the APPLY button to complete the application form for this role.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Volunteer, Volunteering, Volunteer Assistant, Volunteering Assistant may also be considered for this role.
