Generalist Advisor

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice is an independent charity and a member of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau. We provide vital information and advice on a range of issues, including debt, benefits, employment, consumer, housing and healthcare. The advice is to everyone regardless of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Volunteers are vital to the running of our service, to empower and assist the community effectively. Our roles are perfect for retirees looking to stay engaged and active, individuals wanting to gain experience in various fields, people returning to work after a break, and school leavers eager to start their journey.

Advisers conduct full advice in drop-in sessions and appointments with clients, providing them with in-depth information or advice which may include money management, employment, benefits or consumer. This role can be performed in person in a centre or an outreach or remotely from your own home.

• Talk to clients over the phone, online or face to face to explore the problems they have come for help with
• Following exploration, help the clients understand their options
• Support and/or empower clients to resolve their problems. This may include acting on their behalf where necessary or explaining the actions they can take themselves to resolve their problems
• Write a summary of the client’s issues, what actions have been taken and next steps
• Complete evidence forms where appropriate to capture the client’s issues to be used for research and campaigns

While you don't need specific qualifications you will need to:

• Be non-judgmental, friendly and approachable with good listening skills
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Have good maths and IT skills
• Be able to understand information and explain it to others
• Be willing to learn and abide by Citizens Advice aims, principals, and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing and able to undertake training for your role and adhere to the prescribed timescales

The initial training is conducted remotely around the volunteers own schedule. The initial training is 80 hours and is expected to be completed within 6 weeks.

Minimum commitment is one day a week which can be completed as one whole day or spread over two, for a minimum of 1 year.