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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents by providing advice and support in person and over the phone.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Citizens Advice Westminster, dedicated to helping the community.
- Benefits: Receive training, support, and reimbursement for expenses while making a difference.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to social impact in your community.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring your empathy and communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression into Adviser roles and a commitment to inclusivity.
This is a key frontline role helping people who are seeking information and advice. Our aim is to provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public and our assessors are at the heart of this work.
As a Gateway Assessor, you’ll work as part of a team directly with residents who need advice both face to face in community venues and on the phone. You’ll suggest the appropriate next steps after finding out more about the client’s problem and situation. This might be providing information, making an appointment with an Adviser, or making a referral to another organisation.
How much time do you need to give?
The initial training takes around 1 month if you attend twice a week. We prefer people who can commit to 2 days a week for at least 6 months after completing the initial training.
What do you need to have?
- No formal qualifications are required – just the right attitude and dedication.
- We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and empathetic.
- Are non-judgemental and able to remain impartial.
- Have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and are a good listener – you’ll need to be able to assess client’s problems using sensitive listening and questioning.
- Have a good level of literacy and numeracy skills, including attention to detail.
- Are comfortable using computers for training, communications and writing up notes.
- Can work as part of a diverse team.
- Can handle challenging situations and use their initiative to solve problems.
- Will commit to the training programme and continuous professional development.
We are keen to encourage volunteers who speak a community language e.g. Arabic, Bengali, Farsi or European languages.
You’ll also need to complete an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us.
What we offer you
- Our Volunteer Coordinator will support you throughout your volunteering journey at CAW and ensure that you get any training that you might need.
- You’ll join a positive, supportive and friendly team of volunteers and paid staff.
- All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You’ll be invited to attend regular training sessions, join social events and support group activities.
- Your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support.
- You’ll have access to the national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.
- Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses.
Progression
There may be opportunities to progress into Adviser roles. Advisers explore and discuss clients’ issues and options in more depth and suggest the next steps. If you are interested in joining the advice team, then you need to be prepared for a longer commitment and training.
Our commitment to inclusion
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ communities. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, and we expect our volunteers and staff to share this commitment.
Confidentiality
Everything that you see and hear in the organisation is private. All staff and volunteers must sign an agreement to observe a strict rule of confidentiality before they begin their role.
How to apply
You will need to complete the online application form. You can download the role description here. Please email us at volunteering@westminstercab.org.uk if you’d like a paper copy of the form.
What happens after I have filled in the application form?
Your application will be acknowledged, and we will let you know when you should expect to hear back from us. Once your application has been reviewed and shortlisted, we will contact you for a conversation about your interest in volunteering at CAW. You may be asked to undertake a basic skills assessment and participate in an interview. The process will be friendly and supportive!
If you have any questions about the volunteer roles prior to completing your application please contact volunteering@westminstercab.org.uk.
Volunteer gateway assessor employer: Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
Contact Detail:
Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer gateway assessor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the types of issues clients typically face when seeking advice. Understanding common problems will help you engage more effectively during your conversations and demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your active listening skills. Being a good listener is crucial for a Gateway Assessor, so try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to enhance your ability to ask sensitive questions and respond appropriately.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and non-judgemental attitude in any interactions you have prior to applying. Whether it's through volunteering or community work, demonstrating these qualities can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
If you speak a community language, make sure to highlight this in your discussions. Being able to communicate in multiple languages can be a significant asset in this role, as it allows you to connect with a wider range of clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer gateway assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Gateway Assessor. Read the job description carefully and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your Application: When filling out the application form, tailor your responses to highlight your friendly, caring, and empathetic nature. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
Show Commitment: Emphasise your willingness to commit to the training programme and the required volunteering hours. Mention any previous volunteer experiences or community involvement that showcase your dedication.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important qualities for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Gateway Assessor, you'll be working with people who need support. Make sure to demonstrate your caring and empathetic nature during the interview. Share examples of how you've helped others in the past, showing that you can listen and respond sensitively to their needs.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, ensure you listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role involves assessing clients' problems and suggesting appropriate next steps. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've successfully solved problems or handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your initiative and ability to think on your feet.
✨Commitment to Training
The organisation values dedication to training and continuous professional development. Express your willingness to commit to the training programme and any ongoing learning opportunities. This shows that you're serious about the role and eager to grow within the team.
