Description
As a generalist adviser you will inform and support CAB clients with a wide range of enquiries and make a genuine difference in many people’s lives.
Role Description :
Do you like helping people and problem solving? Do you have good attention to detail and a willingness to research and work through an enquiry to find the best outcome for the client?
We often deal with the most vulnerable in our community and our advice can make a huge difference to our clients’ financial circumstances and wellbeing.
You will receive full and ongoing training, in a supportive environment, which will equip you to offer advice to clients about welfare benefits, debt, employment, housing, consumer issues, and a range of other subjects.
What does an adviser do?
The role of a Citizens Advice Bureau adviser is very varied. Here is some more information on some of the things advisers do in the Citizens Advice Bureau:
• Interview clients at the bureau, by phone or in person. Some bureaux give advice by e-mail or even by SMS
• Provide information from AdviserNet - our web-based information system - and other sources
• Explain the choices the client faces, and what these choices mean
• Offer practical help to clients by writing letters, making phone calls and helping fill in forms
• Perform calculations (for example, to assess entitlement to certain kinds of benefits)
• Refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
• Keep records of all clients’ cases
• Prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients – this is called social policy work
• Some bureau advisers represent clients at tribunals
Skills and Experience required:
You don’t need to know everything! The Citizens Advice Bureau accredited adviser training programme and AdviserNet, our web-based information system, will give you all the skills you need to deliver a high-quality service. We do need generalist advisers to have the following skills:-
• Good listener
• Can work in a team
• Can read and write English, and do basic arithmetic
• Are open–minded and don’t judge people or their circumstances
• Enjoy helping all kinds of people
• Be prepared to commit around 4 hours each week
Organisation aims and objectives
Peebles and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a local, voluntary advice agency providing invaluable advice, information and support to the citizens of Peebles and Tweeddale. It is an individual, independent charity in its own right, working in partnership and as part of a wider Citizens Advice Network in Scotland and a consortium of CAB in the Scottish Borders. We believe that every citizen should have access to free, impartial and confidential advice that helps them make informed decisions, whenever they need it and however they choose to access it.
Availability
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Afternoon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Evening |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 hours per week, days and times to be confirmed.
Frequency and commitment details
4 hours per week, days and times to be confirmed.
Restrictions
Travel details: A mix of home based and in the CAB office in the High Street, Peebles
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Taster available: Yes
Training details: Accredited online adviser training programme
Regular bureau training sessions throughout the year for Peebles CAB and with the other CABx in the Scottish Borders.
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet