Volunteer Foreign Language Translator

As the Volunteer Foreign Language Translator, you will play an important role supporting the day to day activities at St Petrocs the Truro Resource Centre or Breadline in Penzance.

Clients can access a range of facilities at the centres including showers, food, toilets, clothing, bedding, laundry and storage.  They also have support available to them to assist them with daily life such as benefits claims, as well as access to activities that actively promote health and wellbeing. Under the supervision of the Resettlement Team, you will provide support with interpreting our clients’ foreign languages so they can be better supported through our services. Languages may include Polish, Russian Lithuania, Spanish/Portuguese.  

We would need volunteers on an adhoc basis and when available to support.

What you'll be doing.

You will work closely with the Resettlement Team at either the Truro Resource Centre or Breadline in Penzance (depending on your preferred location) providing support which may include:

• Meeting our clients face to face or calling them on the telephone or via Microsoft Teams to support them by asking questions in their language, which may relate to accessing our services and / or areas such as benefit claim help. 
• Attend meetings to translate discussions, depending on your location.
• Emailing Service Manager with the responses to pre-set questions / updates and enquiries from clients.

*This is a non paid volunteering and remote role, but may require you to attend the Truro Resource Centre or Breadline, Penzance to meet with our clients and staff depending on your location.  Please note you must be a resident of the UK to apply for this volunteering role.

Who we're looking for.

You’ll share our core values: Honesty, Integrity, Equality & Dignity

In order to volunteer with us, you will be expected to complete an application form and attend an informal chat and taster session. If selected for the role you will need to complete on-line training appropriate to the role and agree to a basic DBS check where necessary.

Volunteering should be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or qualification. The only criteria we expect from someone in this role are detailed below.

Essential Criteria

• Commitment to our service and client group. 
• Reliability and agreement on how much time you can commit to the role.
• Responsibility for own and others health and safety whilst undertaking the tasks.
• Can maintain confidentiality as required.
• Provide a friendly welcome to any clients and visitors to the centre. ·        
• Able to speak in one or more foreign language from the following: Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Spanish/Portuguese.
• Have a basic knowledge of IT including Microsoft office.         
• Can make own arrangements for travel to the Truro Resource Centre and Breadline, Penzance if able to do so, depending on your location.   

What it's like volunteering with us.

We are pleased to offer all our volunteers the following support & benefits:

• Comprehensive induction training
• Clear instructions and guidance on your role
• Ongoing training related to your volunteering role
• Supervision and support throughout volunteering duties 
• Tempo Credit Rewards for volunteering time given
• Regular newsletter providing the latest updates 
• Volunteer Forum quarterly meetings, to meet other volunteers and contribute to the success of the volunteering programme 
• Annual ‘thank you’ event
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 

About St Petrocs

We're working to end homelessness in Cornwall, because every person has a right to a safe and secure home.

St Petrocs was established in 1986 as a direct response to people experiencing homelessness in Truro. Over the years, our services have grown - shaped by the needs of the people we support. 

Today, over 60 staff work together tirelessly to ensure we can provide the best quality of service possible to those people who find themselves vulnerably housed or pushed into homelessness. 

We are an independent, charitable organisation that provides people in need with somewhere and someone to turn to.