Here are some client quotes to prove what a difference our volunteers really do make to people’s lives..
We are a local charity and our work would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers to keep our service running.
We are currently recruiting for Citizens Advice Champions. Find out more about the role below. For more information contact: [email protected]
Roles for Volunteers
Citizens Advice Champions
You will help at outreaches and community events, raising awareness of our services and chatting to the public. You may also do this at your school, college or place of work. You will have support and be part of a friendly team.
Adviceline Telephone Assessors
Adviceline is our Dorset-wide telephone service. As an assessor you will answer calls from the public on a wide variety of topics (see below). You will explore the client’s situation and look up relevant information to help. You may be office-based or working remotely but you will always have support.
Adviser
You may be helping clients with more complex cases by phone, email, webchat or in person. You will have access to a wider range of specialist information and may write letters or make phone calls on behalf of clients. You will still be advising on a wide range of subjects and will still have support from other members of the team.
Receptionist
You will be the friendly face to greet our clients in person. You will also answer the
phone and complete administrative tasks such as filing, scanning and photocopying.
What Subjects Can Advisers Help With?
- Welfare benefits
- Debt/money
- Consumer
- Housing
- Relationship & family
- Employment
- Immigration and nationality
- Legal matters
- Tax
- Disability information
- Discrimination
- Education
- Health matters
- Completing forms
How Much Time Is Involved?
This could be anything from a few hours a month up to 1 or 2 days a week depending on your role.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
No formal qualifications necessary as full training provided. However, you will need:
- The ability and willingness to work within the aims, principles and equal opportunities of the Citizens Advice service
- Good communication skills
- Good IT skills
- Ability to interact with and respect others
- Openness to new ideas and willingness to learn
What Training Will You Receive?
Initial training varies according to role. This could be as little as 3 hours for an Events Champion. Our Adviceline Assessor Programme includes a 16 week academic training schedule. This involves group and self-study, e-learning, webinars and observation. You will need to commit to 1-2 days a week but hours are flexible. This is followed by practical experience in a very supportive environment leading to certification.
Why Do People Volunteer?
We are often asked by clients “Why do you do this work? You aren’t paid!”. Some of the reasons given by advisers are:
I volunteered for CA work because….”I wanted to do something worthwhile to help others, and develop myself personally and intellectually.“
What I like most about coming in is….”The friendship from fellow advisers – the support shown, the exchange of ideas and opinions.“
It’s lovely when….”You get a successful result, and when you know the client really appreciates the effort that has been made on their behalf – then it’s brilliant.“