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- Tasks: Support clients in their homes to complete disability benefit applications and provide essential advice.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of disabled individuals and their carers.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training provided, travel expenses reimbursed, and valuable skills development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while gaining experience and enhancing your employability.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; just bring your friendly attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Each visit lasts 2-3 hours, with an average of one visit per week.
Our brilliant disability benefits team are specially trained volunteers who visit people in their homes to help them complete complex disability benefit application forms. Last year they helped 563 clients apply for disability and carer’s benefits worth over £1,548,000 a year! The team is coordinated by a disability benefits specialist and one other member of part-time staff.
As a home visit volunteer, you will help people who, because of limited mobility, pain levels, confusion or caring responsibilities, find that visiting our offices is difficult or impossible. Undertaking one visit a week, on average, you will receive specialist training so that you can help clients complete disability benefit applications and provide support and advice on fall prevention, social transport, care options, befriending and support groups, handyman services, access to priority registers, warm homes or budgeting advice, which can vastly improve the quality of life of disabled people and their carers. This is a flexible role that works very well around other commitments.
What will you do?
- Complete an introduction to Citizens Advice and training for your role.
- Help clients complete disability benefit forms in their own homes.
- Help clients maximise their benefit income.
- Check carers’ entitlement to benefits.
- Check eligibility for Council Tax discounts.
- Give advice on reducing energy costs.
- Provide advice on the best ways to pay for modifications to home or mobility aids.
Volunteering with us you will:
- Make a real difference to people’s lives.
- Learn about a range of issues such as benefits, income maximisation, energy efficiency and support for carers.
- Build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and analysing.
- Increase your employability.
- Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.
- Have a positive impact in your community.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Skills
You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience; you will receive full training for this role. But you should:
- Be friendly and approachable.
- Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
- Have good listening skills.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be able to understand information and explain it to others.
- Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.
- Be willing to undertake training in your role.
- Have access to a car, as travel around the district is required. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Each visit takes around 2-3 hours. Most of our home visitors undertake one visit a week, on average, arranged at a time to suit both the volunteer and the client.
Location
This opportunity is available in: Uttlesford
Admin Support Volunteer - Disability Benefits team employer: Volunteer Centre Harlow
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Centre Harlow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Admin Support Volunteer - Disability Benefits team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the disability benefits system in the UK. Understanding the different types of benefits available and the application process will help you feel more confident during your home visits and when assisting clients.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging with diverse groups of people. This will enhance your ability to connect with clients from various backgrounds, making them feel comfortable and understood during your visits.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former volunteers in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights and tips on how to approach home visits and effectively support clients in completing their applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in learning about local resources and services that can assist your clients. Knowing where to direct them for additional support can greatly enhance the help you provide during your visits.
We think you need these skills to ace Admin Support Volunteer - Disability Benefits team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Admin Support Volunteer position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your communication, listening, and interpersonal skills in your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or volunteer work.
Personalise Your Application: Make sure to personalise your cover letter by addressing it to the specific team or coordinator. Mention why you are passionate about supporting disabled individuals and how you align with the values of Citizens Advice.
Proofread Your Documents: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Centre Harlow
✨Show Your Empathy
As a home visit volunteer, you'll be working with individuals who may be facing challenging circumstances. Demonstrating empathy and understanding during the interview will show that you can connect with clients on a personal level.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Since full training will be provided, it's important to express your eagerness to learn about disability benefits and related topics. Share any previous experiences where you adapted quickly to new information or processes.
✨Discuss Your Flexibility
This role requires flexibility in scheduling visits. Be ready to talk about how you manage your time and commitments, and reassure them that you can accommodate the needs of both the clients and the team.
