British Red Cross volunteers and staff help families who have been separated by armed conflict, political upheaval, natural disaster or migration to get back in contact with each other. In these situations, communications often break down and families become separated. As a result, people do not know where to turn to find a missing relative or how to get a message to them. Knowing what happened to family members left behind or who have migrated around the world is vital. Our Interpreter volunteers provide an essential communication link between people who use our service and the volunteers and staff supporting them. Many do not speak English as their first language and rely on high quality and confidential interpretation and translation to relay their personal information. We help them to find a way forward at a what can be a difficult and distressing time. We are looking for volunteers who; - Can volunteer on a regular weekly basis. - Will be available to volunteer half a day or 1 day each a week on a remote basis. - Shifts available weekly Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm. - Can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months. - Are fluent in communicating and translating one of the following languages; Kurdish Sorani, Pashto, Vietnamese, Sudanese Arabic. - Have a good standard of spoken and written English. - Volunteers will need their own phone and laptop/computer. This role is remotely based and volunteers will be supporting with translating across the wider South East of England area. We’re sorry but at the moment we can’t always host 15 – 17 year olds, do get in touch and we can let you know what other suitable opportunities there may be near you. We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker. Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone. Health and Safety Statement We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment. We will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk
Why we want you: We are looking for empathetic and professional interpreters who inspire confidence that conversations are being interpreted correctly and anything written, including people’s messages to family, is being translated accurately. Our Interpreter volunteers are friendly and welcoming and enjoy being part of our supportive and diverse team. Due to the intensity and complexity of parts of our services, it is essential that our Interpreter volunteers work to the highest standards so that we can provide a safe, high quality and effective service.
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Tasks: Interpreting verbatim in one to one or group sessions to help people using our service communicate with others
Written translation to complete required forms/paperwork
Using your Red Cross Training to give emotional support to adults and children
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Skills: Experience in interpreting and ideally trained or professionally qualified in interpreting
Strong communication skills and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
Able to volunteer in a multicultural environment
Able to verbally interpret and translate fluently in the specified language
Able to write in the language (as well as in English)
Emotionally resilient as you may need to deal with challenging or difficult situations
Keep the people we support at the heart of what you do
Willing to complete a criminal record check
Willing to commit to ongoing training and development
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Benefits: Meet new people and be part of a supportive and inclusive team
A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones
All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training)
Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training
An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives

Please refer the Job description for details