Refuge Referral Line Volunteer

The decision to flee where you are living and come to refuge is a complex and difficult one for women and their children. It can be a time of increased risk and Solace wants to support women to make this move as quickly and safely as possible.

About the Role

Volunteers are essential in helping us take calls from women seeking refuge, take referrals and match them up to spaces in our refuges in London. Where possible, we give the woman choice over available spaces and make sure everything happens as smoothly as possible. In this role, you will speak to women as a critical time in their journey to recovery.

The work is fast paced and sometimes complex. This is an ideal role for those who have strong organisational skills, resilience, a non-judgmental attitude and can juggle several admin tasks at any one time. The reward is knowing that you have significantly helped women and her children reach a place of safety and begin her recovery.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteer who have:

• A polite and empathic telephone manner is essential as you will be the first point of call for women who are ready to leave their abusive relationship.
• Basic IT skills are essential, and you will need to have good communicational and organisational skills to keep records of all referrals.
• A non-judgemental attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliable, flexible with good time management.
• Self-motivated (able to carry out tasks unsupervised).
• Flexibility regarding variety of tasks associated with the role.
• An interest in or understanding of domestic/sexual violence
  and its impact on women and children.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Volunteers in this role will gain:

• Experience of supporting women and children in crisis
• A better understanding of the impact of domestic/sexual
  violence on women and children
• Enhanced admin skills
• Improved confidence and interpersonal skills

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

We will interview applicants on a rolling basis and may close this advert early on the appointment of a successful candidate.