“A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim…nor does he forsake him when he is in need; whosoever is fulfilling the needs of his brother, Allah is fulfilling his needs; whosoever removes distress from a believer, Allah removes from him a distress from a distressful aspect of the Day of Resurrection” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Helping Households Under Great Stress (HHUGS) is the only UK registered charity providing relief to households devastated by the arrest of a loved one, through the provision of emotional, financial and practical support. Established in September 2004 in response to the increasing number of ‘anti-terror’ arrests across the country, we serve a hundred odd families through a nationwide network of dedicated volunteers. Our vision is for HHUGS to be the first point of contact for help and advice whenever an anti-terror arrest is made anywhere in the UK.

The families that HHUGS assists are some of the most defenceless and vulnerable in the UK. In the words of journalist and playwright, Victoria Brittain, “these families are isolated, afraid, and have found HHUGS volunteers the only resource of strength and kindness in a very harsh environment.”

HHUGS urgently require voluntary Key Workers to donate their precious time to help bring some immediate relief to affected families.

To apply, please  register online  here  (mention you’re interested by the Keyworker role) or call us on 0207 733 2104. A copy of your CV  would be desirable.  

 

Position Title:  Key Worker

Reports to:  Beneficiary Support Co-Ordinator

Location:

South London (English, Urdu Speakers)

Manchester (Urdu, Mirpuri/Pothwari, Punjabi, Arabic and English speakers)

Birmingham (Urdu, Mirpuri/Pothwari, Punjabi, Bangla speakers)

Leicester (English speakers)

East London (English, Bengali, Urdu speakers)

Bradford/Dewsbury (English, Urdu speakers)

County Durham (English, Urdu speaker)

Crawley (English, Urdu speakers)

Portsmouth (Bangla speaker)

West London (English, Somali and Arabic speakers)

Luton/Bedford (English, Urdu Speakers)

Stoke-on-Trent (English, Urdu speakers)

Nottingham (English, Urdu speakers)

Salary:  Voluntary

Hours:  Flexible

Anticipated start date:  Asap

Contract term:  Minimum six month commitment, with the likelihood of extension/renewal

Job Purpose:  To act as the first point of contact and liaison between the families in your region and the charity, and providing front-line delivery of emotional and practical support.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Acting as the first point of contact for beneficiaries in your locality.
  • Maintaining regular contact with them, by phone and in-person.
  • Providing emotional support as part of a befriending scheme and offering a confidential listening service.
  • Advising beneficiaries of the services and support available to them.
  • Helping them to access services and making applications on their behalf for financial grants from the charity.
  • Liaising with the Beneficiary Coordinator to arrange transportation for prison visits.
  • Researching possible activities and services from external providers.
  • Maintaining accurate records of all contact and support provided to the beneficiaries.
  • Remaining in regular contact with your supervisor and providing monthly written updates.
  • Attending meetings and training with your co-keyworkers and HHUGS Staff periodically when required.
  • Communicate regularly and appropriately with volunteers, both individually and as a team; delegating tasks to them as and when required.
  • Organising monthly social gatherings for the local families.
  • To respect and preserve the confidentiality of all matters concerning the family and charity.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of HHUGS

Secondary duties:

 

  • Raise awareness about the work of HHUGS through education and distribution-related activities in the local community, organisation of local events and fundraising activities.
  • Help to recruit volunteers through word of mouth, personal networks and local advertising.
  • Liaising with families of behalf of media/research requests.

Knowledge, skills and expertise:

 

1)           Essential

  • Compassionate and empathetic nature.
  • Non-judgmental.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Patient and tactful disposition.
  • Mature when dealing with challenging situations.
  • Ability to work independently and of your own initiative.
  • Ability to form positive working relationships as part of a team.
  • Flexible and positive approach.
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
  • Computer literate.
  • Good personal planning and organisational skills.
  • Ability to engage with people from a variety of backgrounds, languages and cultures.
  • Passionate about and committed to the values and objectives of the charity.

2)           Desirable

  • A keen interest in human rights and social justice.
  • A working knowledge of counter-terrorism and security issues affecting the Muslim community.
  • Experience of working in the Muslim community, and the charity/voluntary sector.
  • Broad knowledge, empathy and understanding of Islamic principles.
  • Fluency in Arabic, Urdu, Bangla
  • Experience in Counselling and/or social work.
  • Knowledge of UK benefits and housing system.

Deadline to apply: Friday 3rd July 11:59pm