Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T and communication skills. If so, this could be the role for you.
*What is a caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need. Next, they find the right sources of support and arrange for clients to access it. This might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
*Why do we need you?
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan. Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.
*When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients at home or in a care home setting. There are a range of times available to volunteer and all help is greatly appreciated.
*What does this role involve?
• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time
• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice
• Applying on the client’s behalf to military and non-military sources of charitable funding
• Keeping in touch with the client so they know how their case is progressing
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction).
• Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers.
A great opportunity to help. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.
If you wish to volunteer/for further details please contact Julie Silva (Branch Secretary, Grampian) at email: Julie.Silva@grampian.ssafa.org.uk or telephone: 07879846200.
More information about SSAFA is also available at https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Our teams of trained volunteers and employees provide practical, emotional and financial assistance to the Armed Forces community enabling them to thrive.
Experience required: • Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role
Minimum age: 18
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Expenses are reimbursed. We pay public Transport rates and 45p per mile in a car, volunteers can be reimbursed as and when they put their expenses in.
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet
This opportunity is also advertised across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray.