Administration Volunteer
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 who speaks one of our community languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi) to support us at the information hub, specifically in administration and data entry. You may also have the opportunity to receiving training in conducting interviews with clients. 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
- Responding to client queries
- Answering the telephone
- Assisting and registering clients who come into reception.
- Taking messages for advisers.
- Printing outlook timetable and Advice pro appointments for the day.
- Inputting data in excel and Advice pro.
- Helping advisers with general administrative tasks such as typing letters, photocopying bundles, and telephoning clients, keeping client files or local information up to date, amending stocks of leaflets, taking notes in meetings etc.
Skills and experience needed
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Ability to speak fluently in a community language (Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Tigrinya, Farsi)
- Some understanding and experience of IT systems (Excel, Word etc.) and data entry
- Strong teamwork skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person and over the telephone
- Ability to manage time effectively
- 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
- Westminster residents are particularly encouraged to apply.
Download full job description here.