Volunteer Adviser

Role Purpose

We’re looking for volunteers who want to make a real difference in their local community by helping people find a way forward through some of life’s biggest challenges. As a Volunteer Adviser, you’ll be at the heart of our services, supporting people who need help with issues such as benefits, debt, housing, employment, family matters and consumer problems. Through listening, researching options and providing information and guidance, you’ll help clients understand their choices and take the next steps towards resolving their problems.

As a Volunteer Adviser, you will be:

• Interviewing clients by phone, video call, email and occasionally face-to-face
• Listening carefully to understand a clients’ circumstances and identify the issues affecting them
• Researching relevant information, guidance and options available to clients (giving tailored advice)
• Explaining information clearly and impartially, helping clients understand their rights and options
• Supporting clients to make informed decisions about the best course of action for their situation to move forward
• Record accurate and confidential information using our systems
• Contribute to our Research and Campaigns work by identifying trends and issues affecting local communities
• Completing our Adviser Training Programme and Citizens Advice induction to prepare you for the role (this will be based in-office)

As a Volunteer Adviser, who are we looking for?

You don’t need to have previous advice experience as full training is provided.  We are looking for people who:

• Are good listeners and those who enjoy helping others
• Who have good communication skills
• Are friendly, patient and non-judgemental volunteers who work with people from all backgrounds
• Have good spoken and written English skills, enabling effective communication with people who may be facing difficult or complex situations (no formal qualification required)
• Who are comfortable using computers and learning new systems.
• Who can analyse information and solve problems
• Who respect confidentiality and will work within Citizens Advice policies
• Are willing to learn (which is on-going) and develop new skills
• Have the ability to understand complex information and convey it clearly to clients.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to change lives and support your community
• Comprehensive training and ongoing support
• New skills, knowledge and valuable experience
• Increased confidence and personal development
• The chance to meet new people and be part of a supportive tea

Other Information

You’ll receive comprehensive training, ongoing support and supervision from experienced staff and fellow volunteers. We’ll help you develop the knowledge and confidence needed to advise clients effectively and make a positive difference.

The minimum age for this role is 18 years. Citizens Advice is committed to safeguarding and promoting and the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults . All volunteers are expected to share this commitment. 

We hope that you can volunteer for at least one day per week for a minimum of 6 months (not all offices are open daily Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).  For the first few months your training will take place in an office.  Training includes an online Induction (less than 2 hours) before Adviser training begins, with certain training milestones needing to be reached before an Adviser can lone work with clients.  Training can be tailored to suit experience and circumstances.

Volunteering (and learning) will take place at one of our offices (Horsham, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Shoreham, Worthing, or Burgess Hill, Lancing or East Grinstead), as part of a team of committed people, supported by a Supervisor. Our Advisers live in, or with a connection to, West Sussex as a priority.

Reasonable local travel expenses are paid.

Valuing Inclusion

We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce with volunteers from a range of backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people with all range of abilities for the skills and life experiences that they bring.

Questions and Apply Now

If you have any questions about the role or volunteering, please email us: volunteer@westsussexcab.org.uk

To become a Citizens Advice in West Sussex volunteer, we will ask for ID and details of two referees (not family or friends).  If you’d like to talk through any of the checks before applying, please get in touch.

APPLY TODAY:  Click this button (in orange tablet) and complete the details. Once you have completed the application, we will take a close look at your application and get in touch, usually within 2 weeks.