Humanitarian Helpdesk Employee

The Humanitarian Helpdesk West Netherlands is a safe place where we help a variety of people, often in vulnerable situations. At the Humanitarian Helpdesk, we handle a variety of requests for assistance, received via email, our WhatsApp helpline, or in person at the Helpdesk on Zilverstraat in The Hague.

Our focus isn't on where someone comes from or why they've ended up in this situation, but on how we can support them. These questions usually concern basic needs like shelter, food, or medical care. The Humanitarian Helpdesk sees a diverse group of people: from people living in poverty to undocumented migrants, refugees, and migrant workers.

Sound like you? Then join our team at the Humanitarian Helpdesk! Together, we'll make aid in the city more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Who are you?

The Humanitarian Helpdesk is an aid activity of the Red Cross West Netherlands, which operates from The Hague for the entire region.

We are looking for someone who:

• Relevant training in social work (e.g., social work or medical care) or experience with basic needs support needs. Experience in the West Netherlands region is a plus, but international experience is also appreciated.

We would also like to hear from you if you have other relevant experiences that relate to the theme of social assistance.

• Can communicate empathetically and respectfully and can empathize with the situation of the person seeking help;
• Interested in expanding the social map of the region;
• Excellent command of Dutch and English. Do you also speak languages like Arabic, Farsi, Polish, or Ukrainian? That's a significant advantage.
• Be available at least one Thursday per month (preferably two) from 11:45 AM to 4:00 PM to work at the Helpdesk in The Hague;
• Is digitally skilled and works easily with Microsoft Office Space, WhatsApp, and various online administration systems.

How do you make a difference at our Helpdesk?

Upon arrival, those seeking assistance are warmly welcomed and offered a drink. We then take the time to listen to their story, ensuring we fully understand their needs, always without judgment. Based on this conversation, we connect people with organizations specializing in the support they need. This is often possible within the network of partners the Red Cross collaborates with in the city. In the event of an acute emergency, the Red Cross can also provide immediate assistance.

Examples of requests for assistance we encounter at the Humanitarian Helpdesk:

• People who cannot afford to buy enough groceries for themselves or their families. The Red Cross helps with food bank applications, refers to other food initiatives, and can provide a grocery card in emergency situations.
• Migrant workers who have lost their jobs often also lose their housing. The Red Cross connects them with partners who provide information about their rights and support in finding work or returning to their country of origin.
• We can help people with medical complaints who are uninsured, undocumented, or have no residential address make an appointment with a street doctor, or help them find ways to visit a general practitioner.

What do we offer?

• A social and warm environment with a large network of volunteers;
• The Red Cross offers various training courses, such as a first aid course;
• You contribute to a social project that really makes a difference for people in a vulnerable position;
• Travel and expense allowance;
• Besides meaningful work, there's also room for relaxation! We regularly organize fun events and get-togethers where enjoyment is paramount.

Interested?

Follow your heart and apply for this position! Email [email protected] and tell us more about yourself, your experience, and your motivation. We will only use your information for this specific application process.

If you have any questions, please contact Cootje Linssen at [email protected] .

We are looking for new colleagues with talent and we are not guided by cultural background, physical limitations, gender identity, religion, orientation or age.