Volunteer Adviser:
Being an adviser is a very varied role. As an adviser your main responsibilities will be:
• Interview clients at drop-in sessions and appointments in the bureau and occasionally by phone and outreach sessions;
• Listening to clients and letting them explain the problem. Helping the client to clarify the issues by exploring the problem through active questioning;
• Provide information to clients from the Citizens Advice Bureau electronic information system, reference books and other sources;
• Explain the choices and consequences the client faces to enable clients to make informed choices;
• Give practical support to clients by writing letters, completing forms, doing basic benefit calculations, making telephone calls and speaking or writing to other agencies on their behalf;
• Refer / signpost clients to other agencies for specialist/additional support;
• Keep accurate case records of meetings with clients on official computer databases;
• Identify common issues that affect many clients to prevent future problems;
• Maintaining basic office administration, e.g. filing case notes, amending information, telephone calls and any other appropriate tasks as required;
• Committing to a minimum of two volunteer sessions per week is required, either 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm. and for Dumfries, on a rota, cover one evening sessions which can occur every 6-8 weeks;
• Attend volunteer/staff meetings as arranged.
Volunteer Administrator:
Administrators ensure that bureau systems run smoothly. Good support is essential for the running of any organisation, and a Citizens Advice Bureau is no different. Being part of our admin team is a rewarding and varied role. As an administrator your main responsibilities and tasks will include:
• Reception duties – greeting clients and arranging appointments;
• Receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls;
• Filing and photocopying;
• Using word processing packages, spreadsheets, and databases;
• Developing and maintaining administrative systems;
• Stock control of leaflets, materials, ordering forms and updating information;
• Keeping reception area of information up to date and replenished;
• Helping to arrange events;
• Taking notes and minutes at meetings;
• Committing to a minimum of two volunteer sessions per week is required, either 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm. and on a rota, cover one evening sessions which can occur every 6-8 weeks;
• Attend volunteer/staff meetings.
We have bureaux in Dumfries, Annan and Stranraer as well as various outreaches across the region
