Asylum Seeker Drop-in Caseworker

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community? This is a vital frontline role where you’ll help asylum seeking people navigate complex systems and access essential support as they arrive and settle in Preston. RAIS (Refugee Advocacy, Information and Support) Lancaster is searching for compassionate, friendly, and quick-to-learn volunteers to staff our new drop-in on Friday afternoons (1pm-4pm) at The Foxton Centre in Preston.

About the Role

Our drop-in will provide a safe, welcoming space where asylum seekers can receive practical guidance and basic casework support. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced staff to assist people facing challenging circumstances, often at critical points in their journey.

Key Tasks

• Welcoming clients and helping create a safe, respectful environment
• Listening to client concerns and gathering relevant information
• Working with interpreters to communicate with clients where necessary
• Assisting with basic casework, including form-filling and signposting to services
• Helping clients understand letters, appointments, and processes
• Referring individuals to legal, housing, healthcare, or welfare support services
• Assisting clients with sending emails and making phone calls 
• Maintaining clear and accurate case notes
• Supporting with general drop-in setup and coordination
• Passing on safeguarding concerns to staff

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable experience in casework and frontline support
• Training and ongoing supervision from staff
• The opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s lives
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• For volunteers who show commitment and professionalism, we’re happy to provide a professional reference to support future opportunities

What skills do I need?

Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• A positive and welcoming attitude towards people seeking asylum
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities
• Ability to listen actively and without judgment
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Basic IT skills (email, online forms, document handling)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn
• Reliability and ability to work as part of a team, contributing to a healthy and mutually supportive environment

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in advice work, support services, working with vulnerable/minoritised groups, or community outreach
• Knowledge of asylum or immigration systems
• Additional language skills (Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic, Pashto, Dari, Amharic, Tigrinya, German)

To apply, please email administrator@rais.org.uk for our short application pack, to be completed and returned to the same email address. You will then be invited to a short interview with a RAIS member of staff and RAIS trustee. 

Training in: the basics of the asylum system, how to handle common drop-in enquiries, RAIS computer systems, RAIS ethos, professional boundaries, and confidentiality will be delivered online on Friday 15th May at 1pm-4pm, two weeks prior to the drop-in's commencement. A volunteer handbook specific to local services will also be available at drop-ins for reference, and two members of staff will always be available to answer questions and support you.

Whether you have prior experience or are new to this kind of work, we welcome your interest. If you’re committed, compassionate, and ready to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

When do I need to be available?

Details

1pm-4pm on Fridays for 13 weeks

Where does this role take place?