There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each one has a secretary to coordinate the day-to-day business in that division. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for the division you will play a key part in promoting SSAFA locally, matching clients to volunteer caseworkers and supporting volunteers to get the best outcomes for their clients.
• Acting as the first point of contact for SSAFA in the local area
• Taking enquiries from potential clients and potential volunteers
• Matching new clients to available caseworkers
• Supporting caseworkers, particularly new volunteers
• Working with the local publicity officer to promote SSAFA locally
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Maintaining accurate records on our on-line case management system
• Coordinating SSAFA Visitors and Helpers (if applicable)
• Organising local meetings to keep all volunteers up to date with the latest training and information
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• good written and spoken English
• ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
• ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering
• willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course) • ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
• reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
• access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.
• ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)
• A three-day course for new divisional secretaries. Your trainer will guide your group of like-minded volunteers through everything you need to know to run a SSAFA division
• On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Local induction
• Support from the branch secretary and Volunteer Support Manager (per region)
• Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Visit us on line at https://www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer-ssafa to browse available roles and locations and let us know you’re interested. Read more about training and about some of our wonderful volunteers
• Call our friendly central Volunteer Team on 0800 260 6775. They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local branch
Where volunteers are both divisional secretaries and caseworkers a disclosure check will be required.
