SSAFA
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing practical and financial support to our Forces since 1885 and not just throught times of conflict. SSAFA Hertfordshire Branch members, all of whom are volunteers, help those currently serving; veterans and their families to retain their independence and dignity. Caseworkers visit potential beneficiaries and talk over the problem and consider possible solutions. They make a record of their visit complete with personal details using an on-line casework management system which they use to electronically post their client’s appeal for assistance to appropriate military or civilian charities.
The Hertfordshire Branch of SSAFA is looking to fill a vacancy for a Branch Secretary who is presently retiring. Reporting to the Branch Chair, the Branch Secretary is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the Branch and supporting day to day operations; effectively coordinating incoming appeals for assistance and answering general enquiries. The Branch Secretary is assisted by the East of England Hub which consists of paid members of staff who are the first to answer incoming calls to the Branch and only pass on those that need the Secretary’s attention. Alongside the Branch Secretary is the Branch Treasurer who handles the Branch finances. Other aspects of the role involve organising internal meetings both virtually and face to face; co-ordinating branch training activities; organising the occasional Branch social activity and co-ordinating preparations for the Branch AGM. A military background is not needed just basic IT and admin skills. The role is about co-ordination and administration and is primarily based at home. Training courses are available for management and as an insight to case working. A car is not essential but access to one would be useful. All out-of-pocket expenses are paid. As this is a position of trust, references will be taken up.
For someone looking for a more pro-active management role we are also looking for a Divisional Secretary to replace someone who is looking to retire. The division is one of three that covers SSAFA’s financial, practical and emotional support to Armed Forces personal, veterans and their families within Hertfordshire. The role is about the co-ordination and administration of a team of volunteer caseworkers who visit beneficiaries that have sought SSAFA’s assistance. It is a key role matching potential beneficiaries and their needs to caseworkers using an on-line casework management system and is primarily based at home with only the occasional need to visit in support of a caseworker or to talk to a recruit. You are supported by a Divisional Treasurer to keep you informed of the financial aspects of the division and individual cases. All out-of-pocket expenses are paid. A car is not essential but access to one would be an asset. As this is a position of trust, references will be taken up.
Finally, we are always on the lookout for Volunteer Caseworkers. Under the direction of the local SSAFA divisional secretary, a caseworker visits the home of a beneficiary who has appealed for financial; welfare assistance or advice. The caseworker takes down details of the beneficiary’s need(s) and then composes a report on an on-line casework management system that links them to other users and charities in order that the necessary assistance can be provided. Caseworkers need to be confident users of computers and, ideally, have the use of a car. A successful applicant will receive local induction training on casework and attend either a 3-day course at SSAFA Central Office, London or complete a virtual casework course at home. The work is home based with no fixed hours and can be fitted around other commitments as SSAFA’s activities should take, on average, only a few hours each month. No military experience is required. All out-of-pocket expenses are paid. As this is a position of trust, references will be taken up.
For more information see www.ssafa.org.uk/hertfordshire or contact Jim, the Branch Secretary, on hertfordshire.branch@ssafa.org.uk or 01923 606220.