Citizens Advice County Durham is looking for volunteers. We are part of a dedicated team providing clients with help and advice on the problems they face. We are looking for a team of volunteers who will work to assist clients in our community.
Do you want to help people find their way forward?
As a volunteer you may:
• be the first point of access for Citizens Advice clients when they call our helpline or drop in to an office
• talk to clients over the phone, face to face, or online to explore what problems they’ve come for help with
• complete paper and online forms with clients, for example to apply for a benefit, or to complete an application for money or equipment from a charity
• answer the telephone, reply to emails and post
• help with a wide range of problems and issues by giving information from our Citizens Advice online information system or referring on for more specialist advice where needed
• keep accurate records of our clients and their cases using our systems
• help prevent future problems for wider society by identifying issues that affect a lot of our clients
You don't need specific qualifications or experience to be a volunteer however you need to -
• be confident and familiar with keyboard skills, including searching the internet
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• be confident at inputting data
• have good listening skills
• be able to show empathy
• be able to remain calm and impartial
• have a positive manner
• be open minded and non-judgemental
• enjoy helping people
• Durham City
• Seaham
• Spennymoor
• Stanley
• A comprehensive training programme will be provided - initial training should take up to 16 weeks (depending on time commitment)
• Ongoing training, support and guidance will be provided by a qualified Supervisor in all aspects of providing the service
Expenses
• Mileage expenses will be paid at the rate of 40p per mile (car) / 20p per mile (bicycle)
• The cost of using public transport will be reimbursed on the production of valid receipt/ticket
Volunteers can expect:
• To learn new skills that could increase your employability
• To become part of our team and meet new people
• get support from our experienced staff and managers
• To be part of providing a valued service to our communities and making a real difference to people’s lives.
Commitment
Citizens Advice County Durham would require all volunteers to:
• Give a time commitment to provide volunteer support for a minimum of 8-10 hours per week, this can be on full day or 2 x 5 hours slots.
• On completion of training we would request a minimum commitment of 6 months volunteering in this role
• Attend team meetings and any other training workshops as necessary
As well as making a real difference to people’s lives, volunteering with us can help you gain a wider range of skills, a new sense of purpose and wellbeing, and offer you the opportunity to become part of our friendly and welcoming team of staff and volunteers here at Citizens Advice County Durham.