Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum here in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Why volunteer with RAK?

RAK couldn’t deliver services to over 1500 clients a year without volunteers. Our volunteers are often motivated by their own values and get a sense of purpose from their contribution.  We also know that our volunteers enjoy being part of a team and making friends in the community. 

If you are looking for a job, a volunteering opportunity might give you something interesting to write on your CV or give you experience that supports your professional development. 

If you have never volunteered before, it can feel quite daunting.  We can offer a great first-time volunteering experience, with a taster, some training and good company. 

Overview

The Career Management Project (CMP) aims to address the inequalities in accessing and retaining dignified employment by working closely with refugee clients’ residents of Kingston and surrounding boroughs to eliminate barriers, ensuring they are more able to compete in securing dignified employment and manage effectively the competitive and unpredictable UK employment successfully.

This volunteering opportunity provides support to people attending the weekly Refugee Action Kingston Job Hub. The Job Hub offers two in person sessions one day per week. The venue is in central Kingston.

Job Hub Coach role description

Main tasks

• Notice the client’s strengths and encourage them to present them in CVs, applications and cover letters.

• Direct and assist clients in identifying and using the best online recruitment sites and social media platforms for their employment search, according to individual needs.

• Empower clients to take responsibility for their job search by increasing/developing their knowledge of the various stages of the UK recruitment process and the methods used to make applications

• Support clients in planning an employment search strategy

• Complete the session Activity Plan and provide feedback on the client’s progress to the RAK career adviser upon end of each session.

Skills, ability and qualities

• Use your experience of finding employment and working in the UK to support job hub clients in finding dignified paid employment.

• Confident in using Outlook, Microsoft Word, Email, Teams or Zoom video platforms and searching for information on the internet.

• Sound communication skills to interpret vacancy requirements and relay information to people from diverse backgrounds.

• Have excellent listening skills and be open to views and opinions that are different from your own.

• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and information sharing legislation. Be emotionally resilient.

• To work flexibly and easily in a busy working environment in person.

• Refer clients to the RAK career adviser for career, welfare, legal advice and personal matters.

• Be culturally aware and act respectfully towards RAK clients.

Time commitment

• Attending one or both sessions on a Wednesday from 10-12pm or 1-3pm.

Induction, training and support

• You will complete initial RAK volunteer induction and ongoing training as needed

• On-going support from the Career Adviser

• Regular de-brief with the staff team at RAK

• Out of pocket expenses within agreed guidelines

If you’re interested in the role, please email volunteer@refugeeactionkingston.org.uk and our team will be in contact with an application form and to answer any questions you may have.