Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch
Description of the role
As a Volunteer Advisor you will:
- Complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role.
- Talk to clients over the phone, face to face or online to explore the problems they face.
- Find information about the clients’ problems and explain this to them.
- Assist clients with benefit claims, forms and appeals.
- Help clients with cost of living and debt issues.
- Advise clients with housing concerns and complaints.
- Assist clients with employment problems.
- Help clients in regard to immigration issues.
- Send clients information and advice via phone or email.
- Explain to clients their legal rights.
- Assist clients to take action.
- Write a summary of the clients’ problems and what action you’ve taken.
- Signpost or refer a client for further support and advice.
This role helps you:
- Make a real difference to people’s lives.
- Learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment, consumer and housing.
- Build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and analysing.
- Increase your employability.
- Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
- Have a positive impact in your community.
- Obtain a Citizens Advice certificate in your role.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is friendly and approachable.
- Is non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
- Has good listening skills.
- Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Has good maths and IT skills.
- Be able to understand information and explain it to others.
- Is willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.
- Is willing to undertake training in your role.
Practical Considerations
- You will undergo training for the role
- Expenses will be reimbursed
Any specific requirements
- Must be 18+
Where is the opportunity based?
This opportunity is at Citizens Advice, 50 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, B61 ODD
When is the opportunity available?
During initial training which takes around 8 weeks we ask for a regular commitment of 1 day per week to complete training online, attend face to face training sessions and complete practical tasks.
Once trained for most volunteers we ask for a minimum of 7 hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two days, for at least 12 months.
For those hoping to return to work within the next 6 months we ask for a commitment of 2/3 days per week. We can be flexible so come and talk to us.
About the organisation
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
We’re part of a network of independent charities that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
When we say we’re for everyone, we mean it. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.
Bromsgrove and Redditch Network 