Volunteer Caseworker (Adur & Worthing and Brighton & Hove)

Volunteer caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families who need financial, practical, and emotional assistance. 

Upon accepting a potential beneficiary’s case, a caseworker becomes their SSAFA point of contact. Caseworkers listen without judgement, gather information and assess support needs. They then complete a written case report outlining the help required.

A successful outcome could mean securing funding for; special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so a beneficiary can remain at home, or for a rental deposit.

Caseworkers also sign-post people to specialist advice for example, support with benefits, housing, debt and mental health. The assistance provided through casework will often be life changing.

Benefits

•       You can use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others and support people in your community with a military background and their dependents

•       You will receive support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

•       You will gain valuable experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Practical Considerations

Depending on an individual’s circumstances, the time required to complete a case can vary, usually taking about one month. This role suits people who can spare one to two hours per week, once they have accepted a case.

Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments is desirable, or alternatively use of a private space where confidential phone calls can be carried out. You will need access to IT equipment such as a PC or laptop and the internet to carry out the administration related to casework.

Support Disabled

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

Experience: A military background and/or prior casework experience is not required as full training is provided. 

• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English

• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails via a laptop or PC – 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 on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)

• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendships and advice

• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability

• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

When do I need to be available?

Details	The role typically requires 1-2 hours per week once assigned a case, with cases usually resolving in about a month.

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Register your Interest