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 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, the role involves:

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

As a Volunteer Adviser, we’re looking for:

You don’t need previous advice experience, full training is provided. We’re looking for people who:

• Are good listeners and enjoy helping others
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Can work with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Are comfortable using IT systems and learning new processes
• Can analyse information and solve problems
• Are able to maintain confidentiality and work within Citizens Advice policies
• Are willing to learn and keep your knowledge up to date
• Have the ability to understand complex information and convey it clearly to clients.

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.

Volunteering remotely from home or in one of our offices as part of a team of committed people, supported by a Supervisor. Living in, or with a connection to, West Sussex is a priority. If you choose to work remotely, you will need your own IT equipment and access to Wi-Fi for digital training.
Reasonable travel expenses are paid.

Valuing Inclusion

We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce with volunteers from a range of backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with all range of abilities for the skills that they bring.

Questions?

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