Recovery of benefits scandal in Groningen region

Interesting or nice about this vacancy

It is a very special and emotional process for a parent to share their story with a Listening Writer, but it is also very special to listen to it. In a relatively accessible way, you can truly make a difference for a fellow human being. In this way, the many parents affected by the childcare allowance scandal can start working on their emotional and financial recovery.

Tasks and duties

Central to the recovery process is the parent's own story—the Factual Account. To put this on paper, the parents (the Storytellers) are supported by a Listening Writer: a volunteer from the community who listens without judgment and writes down the parent's Factual Account. For the parent, the Factual Account consists of three parts: who were you before all the misery began, where do you stand now, and where do you want to go? Once the Factual Account is on paper, the parent can choose to have it calculated. In this way, you, as a volunteer, make an important contribution to the parent's emotional and financial recovery.

Skills and qualities

Perhaps you have been following the news for years, the benefits scandal affects you deeply, you feel the urgency, and you want to do something concrete. By helping out, you are essentially saying to the people involved: I see and believe in you. It is precisely this sense of equality that motivates you to invest your time and skills.
As a person, you connect easily, on an equal footing, and respectfully. You are open and curious about the person involved. You can listen deeply, without prejudice, and without judgment. You dare to ask follow-up questions and know how to create a safe environment in the process. Additionally, you are a fellow resident of the Netherlands. We advise you to apply if you are at least 21 years old, as impactful events will be discussed during the conversation. Some life experience is required to handle this effectively.
It is necessary to have a laptop and/or tablet in combination with a smartphone. Some IT skills are also helpful: both the Storyteller and the Listening Writer work in our online Portal.

Additional information

As a Listening Writer, you will participate in a digital Kick-off Meeting (1 hour) to learn more about the role of a Listening Writer and get off to a good start.
Experience shows that being a Listening Writer requires an average of between 10 and 15 hours. This can vary, as the parent is in control of the process and determines the pace.

Interested in or curious about what it is like to do this work? Read one of the volunteer stories here: contributing to the recovery of the benefits scandal.