Volunteers

We are currently recruiting for volunteers to be Generalist Advisers, Receptionists, Administration Support and Trustees.

What do volunteer advice workers do ?

Interviewing - You will learn interviewing techniques, how to listen, and then talk to clients and ask questions to make the issues clear.
Giving information - Training will enable you to access information from our computer systems and reference books.
Giving advice - Your job is to give the client all the courses of action available to them so they can decide what to do
Giving practical help - Completing forms, making telephone calls, writing letters. You will also be trained in calculating benefits, tax and debts.
Case recording - You will be shown how to record your interviews to enable another advice worker to carry on further work for a client shold they return for more help.
Social policy - Identify issues where clients have been unfairly treated.

What we can offer you :

ü TRAINING – full training in CAB interviewing skills, use of the Citizens Advice information system and social policy work, in the context of the aims and principles and equal opportunities policies of Citizens Advice.
ü SUPPORT – from the Bureau Manager, Session Supervisor and Tutor, as well as from a team of friendly and professional colleagues.
ü FULFILMENT – in helping members of the community who may need advice or advocacy, information or representation, guidance or support. Enhancing and updating of your knowledge and skills through use of a constantly updated information system. Furthering your career.
ü MAKING A DIFFERENCE – identify local issues of concern and help to give them a national voice.
ü OPPORTUNITY – to develop specialist skills, eg money advice, publicity, outreach advising, tutoring; to increase knowledge and personal awareness and sensitivity towards the needs of others.
ü SATISFACTION – from being part of a friendly team working to help people in your local community.
ü TRAVEL EXPENSES – bus fares or a modest car mileage rate will be paid for travel to and from the Bureau, to training days, and to staff meetings.

You don’t need experience or qualifications, but if you can answer ‘YES’ to most of the following necessary star qualities, you may be one of the people we are looking for:

í Are you a good listener ?
í Are you looking for a challenge ?
í Can you be patient when people seem confused or unable to express themselves clearly ?
í Are you able to be understanding without being critical ?
í Are you able to be open minded about other people’s lifestyles, values and beliefs ?
í Do you like helping people manage their problems ?
í Are you willing to learn ?
í Would you like to work as a member of a small friendly team?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call 01582 670003 or click to send email