Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional help. 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.

Caseworkers visit clients to establish 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, adaptations to a property so an older client can remain living at home, or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also signpost clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, employment etc.

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. In the Southend & Rochford Division our volunteers base their work from home.

Our roles are flexible, inclusive and fun and we welcome applications from all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

SKILLS

Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their families, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Willingness to use our online case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course).
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice.
• Reliable attitude, contacting clients promptly, keeping appointments, updating the Divisional line manager regarding your availability.
• Access to a car or public transport to travel to appointments with clients.
• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin.
• Able to exercise confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check.

Volunteers must be over 18 to be a caseworker.