Become a helpdesk volunteer in Amsterdam at Hushu House with the Red Cross. Support people without residence permits with information and a listening ear.

Do you want to connect with people and support them through conversation? The Red Cross is looking for dedicated helpdesk volunteers to support people seeking information and guidance. You offer a warm welcome, listen with care, and help people find answers or the right support. Your commitment is at least one 4-hour shift every two weeks, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, at the Hushu House in Amsterdam Southeast.

About Hushu House
In December 2024, Hushu House opened its doors in Amsterdam Southeast. This information and support center provides assistance to people without a valid residence permit. Hushu House is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00.

Hushu House is a collaborative initiative between the municipality of Amsterdam, NGOs, and grassroots organizations, with the Red Cross taking a coordinating role. Within the Red Cross, Hushu House is part of the Integrated Aid project.

What will you do?
When you arrive for your shift, you will be supported by a fellow volunteer. Together, you will review the latest updates before starting our walk-in consultation hour. During this time, people may come to your desk with questions about their situation, a follow-up request, or simply to talk. Your responsibilities include:
• Outreach, this includes greeting visitors, making known the consultation hour has started and/or having a friendly chat.
• Be present by listening with care and attention.
• Ask questions to better understand each person’s situation and needs.
• Provide information about the rights of people without a valid residence permit.
• Connect visitors with partner organizations and ensure a warm and safe handover. This is done by using our online social map or by contacting organizations directly via phone or email.
• Briefly document conversations online to help the team stay informed and ensure continuity of support.

What do you bring?
What we find important:
• Work- or volunteer experience in the field of social work, migration, or socio-legal work is a strong asset.
• You demonstrate cultural awareness and engage with people in an open and non-judgmental manner.
• You are committed to helping everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, political views, background, or legal status.
• You are able to listen with empathy and give people the space to share their story.
• You are able to remain calm and grounded, and feel comfortable helping to de-escalate tense or emotional situations.
• You enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• You handle personal information with care and respect people’s privacy.
• You have a good command of English, both spoken and written. If you also speak another language, such as: French, Portuguese or Twi, that’s a great plus!

What can we count on from you?
• You are available for at least one shift (4 hours) every two weeks for a minimum of six months. These shifts will be from Monday – Wednesday between 13:30 – 17:00 h.
• You complete 4 mandatory e-learning modules (1 hour per module) and attend 4 mandatory in-person training sessions (4 hours each), with a total time investment of approximately 20 hours.
• All volunteers are required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). The Red Cross will send you an application link and will cover the costs of this certificate.

What do we offer you?
As a volunteer, you’ll contribute to the Red Cross’s humanitarian work and make a real difference in the lives of people in vulnerable situations. In addition, we offer you the following:
• You’ll become part of a dedicated and diverse volunteer team within the Red Cross Integrated Aid project.
• Your primary role will be during the consultation hour at Hushu House in Amsterdam Southeast, with opportunities to support other projects if you’re interested.
• Trainings and information sessions to further develop your knowledge and skills
• We’re always looking for ways to help you grow and make the most of your talents.
• Connection doesn’t only happen during work. We also organise get-togethers and dinners to catch up and meet each other in an informal setting.
• If you live in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region, we can reimburse your travel and other expenses.
• You are covered by insurance via the Red Cross while carrying out your volunteer duties.

At the Red Cross we operate based on seven fundamental principles: humanity; impartiality; neutrality; independence; voluntary service; unity; universality.
Does this role appeal to you? We would love to hear from you!

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.