Citizens Advice East Berkshire Launch Fast Track Training for Student Volunteers
Become a Telephone Adviser in Two Weeks
Citizens Advice is the largest advice provider in the UK and has around 20,000 volunteers nationally. We are pleased to launch a new, fast-track training programme for student volunteers who are interested in becoming telephone advisers. The two week, full-time training course will take place over the 2024 Easter holidays, providing students with the skills needed to help people deal with their problems. Volunteers are supported and supervised as they begin to give advice and will receive feedback and development opportunities throughout their time with Citizens Advice. Pippa Banham, CEO of Citizens Advice East Berkshire commented on the new scheme:
Build confidence, gain valuable experience and discover new learning opportunities in a rewarding and fulfilling role that works flexibly for you, around your timetable. By joining us you’ll become part of a highly respected advice network dedicated to working to improving the lives of people in our community and you’ll secure yourself a career-progressing experience and reference.
CAEB values all experiences and backgrounds. If you want to make a real difference and can commit to 6 months of volunteering with a minimum of 8 hours of work a week then we’d love to hear from you.
Join Us
For more information on the fast track training programme and to apply please email recruitment@caeb.org.uk
Purpose of the role
- To help provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public.
- To help influence government and other organisations by informing them of the effect of their actions on the lives of clients.
Role Description
- Interviewing clients, both face-to-face and on the telephone, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping the client to set priorities.
- Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision.
- Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals.
- Completing clear and accurate case records.
Person Specification
- Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action.
- Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and by essential reading.
- A commitment to continuous professional development.
- Attending internal meetings as appropriate.
- A commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service.
- Being open, approachable and non-judgmental.
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
- Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant.
- A good level of literacy and numeracy.
- An understanding of why confidentiality is important.
- A good level of IT literacy.
- Be able to input data accurately.
- A positive attitude to self-development and assessment.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role.
- Enjoy helping people.