Adviser

with North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Centre

Without our team of trained volunteer Advisers we could not meet the demands for our service. They are key to our service.
We would be looking for volunteers that are willing to make a minimum commitment of 18 months, including a weekly time commitment to this role, excluding holidays.
The role of an Adviser is to:
• Interview clients in the advice centre, over the telephone and at outreach sessions
• Research information from our electronic information system and other sources
• Provide advice, explanation and help with the choices and consequences that the client faces
• Help clients negotiate with people such as creditors and service providers
• Give practical help by writing letters, making telephone calls, completing forms, etc.
• Refer clients to other agencies who are better placed to help
• Keep detailed records of all clients’ cases
• Prevent future problems for clients by identifying failing policies and poor services

Skills or experience required?:

The Adviser’s Skills
You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an Adviser but you will need to:
• Demonstrate that you understand and support the Aims and Policies of the Citizens Advice service
• Have good listening skills
• Be able to work in a team
• Have good communication skills and be able to read and write English and do basic calculations
• Enjoy helping people
• Be supportive to clients and colleagues
• Be confident using Information Technology
• Understand problems people may be facing in the local community
We provide free formal and comprehensive accredited training which is backed up by excellent support, supervision and guidance to help you develop the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to our clients. Once you have qualified as a Generalist Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

You will require?: Criminal Record Check (DBS)

This opportunity is suitable for: Wheelchair users

Frequency of opportunity: Ongoing

Can this opportunity be home based?: Yes

What are the areas of interest?: Information & advice, Other general & helping

Type(s) of cause supported: Disablity, Education & learning, Homelessness & housing, Human & civil rights, Local community, Mental health, Older people, Victims, crime & safety, Other

Where is the opportunity located?: Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby

Includes out of pocket expenses?: Yes

How many hours per week is this opportunity?: 8+

You can volunteer for this opportunity at the following times:

	M	T	W	T	F	S	S
Morning
Afternoon
Evening