Volunteering to Work on a JRS Project
We need volunteers who are willing to do any of the following on a regular basis:
Legal assistance & social work service
1. Outreach Work
Volunteers will visit detention centres with JRS staff on a regular (usually weekly) basis, to meet detainees to provide basic information and procedures and to receive requests for assistance. A basic knowledge of refugee law is an asset; training will be provided.
2. Research & administration
Volunteers will be asked to undertake research on particular legal or practical policy issues or to assist with administration.
3. Legal casework
Volunteers will provide legal assistance free of charge on specific cases assigned to them by JRS – in detention centres and/or with asylum seekers in the community. Candidates should have an undergraduate law degree, be familiar with refugee law, and have a good command of written and spoken English and Maltese.
Pastoral care
1. Priests to celebrate mass
Volunteers will visit detention centres on a roster basis to celebrate mass for detainees. Even if you cannot offer this service once a week, do tell us about your availability.
2. Pastoral workers
Volunteers will organise bible studies and other activities within detention centres and provide basic pastoral care to detainees.
3. Detention visitors
Volunteers will visit detention centres on Sunday mornings to participate in the mass and visit the detainees.
Requirements:
Volunteers must fulfil the following basic requirements:
> Maturity and ability to work in stressful situations
> Ability to keep commitments undertaken and observe rules of confidentiality
> Willingness to work within a team and to be accountable towards the project coordinator
Knowledge of Maltese, French, Arabic and other relevant languages is an asset
Commitment:
What we expect from you:
Volunteers will be required to undergo initial training and induction as well as ongoing training and formation, as necessary.
They are required to take a commitment for a fixed time, for a minimum of six months.
We estimate that to volunteer within most of these projects one should be able to offer at least 3/4 hours per week. Outreach workers and Detention Visitors must be ready to work according to a fixed schedule.
What you can expect from us:
JRS will provide volunteers with initial training intended to provide the formation and skills necessary to carry out the tasks entrusted to them. JRS staff will provide regular supervision and support.
