Caseworkers needed for Brighton and Hove at SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity

What does the opportunity involve doing?

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.

What induction, training and support is offered?

Full training is provided for this role. You will be supported by SSAFA’s regional office team, who will provide advice and guidance.

What skills or qualities are needed?

• 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 – 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

• If required, 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 friendship or giving 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

• Access to IT equipment such as a laptop and the internet to carry out the administration related to casework

• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin

• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies