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- Tasks: Help clients with issues like benefits, debt, housing, and employment through face-to-face and phone advice.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, a charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives while developing your communication and problem-solving skills.
- Qualifications: Open to all backgrounds; strong communication and IT skills are essential.
- Other info: Commit to two sessions per week for at least two years; training starts October 2025.
Overview
Volunteer Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire. This rewarding role involves training to help with a broad range of problems, including benefits, debt, housing and employment. The charity encourages applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds, especially from BAME communities who are currently under-represented.
The role involves giving advice to clients both face-to-face and over the telephone.
Responsibilities
- Interviewing clients, both face-to-face and on the telephone, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping the client to set priorities
- Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision
- Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals
- Completing clear and accurate case records
- Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action
- Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and by essential reading
- Attending team meetings
Personal skills and qualities
- A commitment to the aims and principles of the service
- Excellent communication skills
- Being open and approachable
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
- Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant
- Basic mathematical skills, including percentages
- Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own
- An understanding of why confidentiality is important
- Being open to using computers on a regular basis
- A positive attitude to self-development and assessment
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role
- Good IT skills essential – ability to use websites/databases/research information
Applicants should be IT competent and able to commit to two sessions per week for at least two years.
Training will be held over a full day – probably a Wednesday – each week starting in October 2025. There will be additional training time when new recruits can observe experienced advisers.
There will be opportunities to help out for a few sessions prior to training starting so that applicants can check the role is right for them.
To apply, please email Finance and Admin Manager Amanda Wood at bureau@sgloscab.cabnet.org.uk to ask for an application form.
Seniority level
- Internship
Employment type
- Part-time
Industries
- Non-profit Organizations
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Volunteer Generalist Adviser employer: Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire
Contact Detail:
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Generalist Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be advising clients face-to-face and over the phone, it’s crucial to be clear and approachable. Try role-playing with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you can, volunteer for a few sessions before the training starts. This will give you a taste of the role and help you decide if it's the right fit for you while also showing your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re tech-savvy, which is a must for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Generalist Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what being a Volunteer Generalist Adviser involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Skills: When filling out your application, highlight your communication skills and any relevant experience you have. Remember, we want to see how you can help clients effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to see the unique perspective you bring. Share your motivations for applying and why you’re passionate about helping others.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to get started on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key issues that clients face, such as benefits, debt, housing, and employment. Research Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire and understand their mission and values. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening skills. This means really paying attention to what the interviewer is saying and responding thoughtfully. You’ll need these skills when interviewing clients, so showing you can listen and engage will set you apart.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves giving advice both face-to-face and over the phone, be prepared to showcase your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information clearly. This could be through previous work, volunteering, or even in everyday situations.
✨Be Open and Approachable
Demonstrate your ability to be open and approachable during the interview. Smile, maintain eye contact, and use positive body language. This will not only make you more relatable but also reflect the qualities needed to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.