Become a volunteer Caseworker
The Casework Service helps older people and their carers to access welfare services and financial benefits to help maximise independence.
When we receive a request for help, information alone may not be enough. We ask a Caseworker to visit the client to gather information about their situation so that we can find the services and support that will help resolve their problems.
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The Casework volunteers are the vital link between the client and our Casework Manager who organises the help that can be accessed.
Introduction.
This is an ideal role if you can help for a few hours on a one off basis every now and again, you don't want a regular commitment.
The Casework volunteer role is not to be a regular friendly visitor to the client to provide regular support. It is limited to the collection of information - in a friendly and efficient way. Sometimes there are further visits, but one visit can be all that is needed.
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The role involves:
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Making a one off visit to a client referred by the Casework Manager.
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Talking with the client to gather information about their circumstances.
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Recording the information on an assessment form and return it to the Casework Manager.
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Provide feedback to the Casework Manager.
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Support clients with processes related to accessing services, including:
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booking of appointments online or over the phone,
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completing forms
With the support of our team and resources, you will be helping our clients by visiting them in their home, or calling them by telephone/video call.
What's involved.
Age in Spain will provide an initial comprehensive induction including online self paced training and a group video call training session with activities to equip volunteers for their role. Training and support will be provided virtually.
We have a friendly team of staff and volunteers in different parts of Spain - the Support Coordinator is based in Catalonia and the Casework Manager is based in Ibiza.
You will receive on-going on the job training whilst volunteering and opportunities for additional training will be provided from time to time.
Age in Spain provides training on health and safety, including the additional protective measures that need to be taken when visiting someone in their home given the current pandemic situation. We will provide all necessary personal protective equipment and volunteers will not be required to make visits if the current government recommendations change or if they or the client do not feel comfortable doing so.
Support and training.
The Caseworker role does not require a regular commitment, it entirely depends on the requests for help we receive. You may be asked to make one or more visits in a month or none. We will call upon you when we have someone who is in need. A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours plus travel time, depending on the person's situation.
We will contact you when we have a case in your area and will advise you of the person's situations and needs. We agree the work with you according to your availability and proximity to the client. There is no obligation to accept a new case, so the time contribution is completely flexible.
The full process might take several weeks and there might be a significant period between being accepted and given your first case. The work entirely depends on client need and the location of Caseworkers.
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to being available for at least 6 months.
You will also need to be available for 2 hours of self paced online learning and 2 online live training sessions that will last for 2 hours each. The training is user friendly and does not require any specialist knowledge. Dates to be advised.
Time commitment.
All out of pocket expenses such as travel costs, printing/photocopying, meals etc. that are agreed by the Support Coordinator or Casework Manager, will be reimbursed.
Essential
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Regular access to a telephone/computer with good internet connection
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Fluent in spoken and written English
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Good people/interpersonal skills
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Articulate with good verbal communication skills
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The ability to explain information clearly, correctly and concisely
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Good listening skills
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Good writing and information processing skills
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Good basic mathematics skills
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Ability to travel with your own transport or public transport, where possible
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Ability to work alone without direct supervision
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Ability to relate to others, build rapport and empathise
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Able to interpret service users needs
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Ability to balance supportive approach with professional information providing
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Ability to work with distressed/emotionally vulnerable service users without becoming personally involved
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Commitment to equality and diversity principles
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Be open to regular evaluation and feedback
Desirable
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A good level of spoken and written Spanish
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Experience of expatriate life in Spain
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Experience working with or supporting older and vulnerable people
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Experience in Customer Service roles
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The opportunity to be part of a friendly local team
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Regular online meetings with your coordinator/manager and colleagues for supervision and support
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All out of pocket expenses such as travel costs, meals, printing/photocopying that are agreed by the Regional Coordinator
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A certificate of service and a testimonial or reference (for job seekers)
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The chance to really make a difference!
If you would prefer to have a chat about the role before applying, contact us at volunteering@ageinspain.org.
Expenses.
Your skills and experience.
What we offer you.
