VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
Being an adviser is a very varied role. You can volunteer to be an advice adviser, an IT administrator or provide administration support
As an adviser you will:
- interview clients
- Give advice and explain the choices and consequences to the client
- Give practical help by writing letters; making phone calls; completing forms; making calculations and perhaps representing clients at tribunals.
- Refer clients to other agencies when required.
- Keep records of all clients’ cases
- Prevent further problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients.
You don’t need any particular qualification or experience to train as an adviser.
However; you need to:
- Be good at listening
- Be able to work in team
- Be able to read and write English, and do basic maths
- Enjoy helping people
- Be prepared to ask clients for their personal details
Advisers don’t need to know it all
We provide all trainee advisers with a comprehensive accredited training programme that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to clients. Our electronic information systems contains most of the information you will need when advising clients. You won’t be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser in the office, who will give you support, advice and guidance.
All advisers are insured by Community Advice in case mistakes are made. Once you have qualified as Generalist Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
Advantages of being a volunteer
People volunteer with us for many different reasons, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to learn new skills and to develop existing ones:
- Our Adviser Training Programme is provided by The Law Centre NI which is highly respected and valued throughout the advice sector and is accredited by a university.
- Each volunteer role will enable you to develop specific expertise. For example, you might improve your IT and organisation skills as an administrator, or learn how to deal with the media and develop research skills as a campaigner.
- In any role, you will develop your skills in a number of valuable areas, like communication and dealing with the public, as well as increasing your self-confidence through practical hands-on experience.
- There are opportunities for everyone to develop – your never stop learning.
It’s also a chance to put the skills and experience you have to good use helping others. We need people of all ages and backgrounds. For many people, the best thing about volunteering for Community Advice is getting to meet a wide range ofpeople and make new friends. There is a real team spirit within CAAND. Above all, it’s chance to make a real difference. By volunteering you’ll be playing an acitve part in improving the lives of people and influencing the development of nation and local polices and services.
If you would like to register your interest to volunteer then please CLICK BELOW to complete our online application form. Someone will be in touch in due course.