International Family Tracing Interpreter Volunteer (Newcastle - Somali)

International Family Tracing Interpreter Volunteer (Newcastle - Somali)

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 would like you to:

• Be available to volunteer on a regular basis.
• Be available to volunteer for one 3 to 4 hour shift per week between Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
• Be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months.
• Be fluent in communicating and translating Somali.
• Have a good standard of spoken and written English.
• Have access to a smartphone and computer if possible.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.

Unfortunately we aren't able to accept applications from 15 - 17 year olds for this role. Please get in touch and we can support you to find another role in your area.

Where you will be based

Office

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.

What you will be doing

• 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

The skills you need

• 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

What's in it for you

• 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

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.

Croft House, Western Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE4 8SR, United Kingdom