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Advisor

  • VO101362

Description

The role of a Citizens Advice Bureau adviser is very varied. Find out more by reading the volunteer stories which are available for you to download at the bottom of this page and here are some of the things advisers do:

Interview clients by phone or in person. Some bureaux give advice by e-mail, webchat or even SMS
Provide information from our information system
Explain the options or choices the client has, and what these might mean for them
Offer practical help to clients by making phone calls, helping them to fill in forms on paper or online, helping them to draft e-mails or letters
Use online tools and sometimes perform calculations to assess entitlement to benefits
Refer clients to other agencies which might be of help to them
Record client information and summarise what information and help was provided on CASTLE, our electronic client record system
Help prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients – this is called social policy work
Most volunteers are generalists but in some bureaux there are opportunities for specialisation and additional tasks such a tribunal representation

Organisation aims and objectives

To provide advice and information on a wide range of categories to any citizen who needs it and to exercise a responsible influence on the development and implementation of national and regional policies.

Restrictions

Experience required: There is a tried and tested training programme, used by every bureaux in Scotland when training advisers and that will give you a great start. Also, during every advice session, bureaux will have support on hand for their volunteers. Then advisers use our extensive information system to research client queries so you don't need to have legal or other specific knowledge.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Training details: Full advisor training programme, shadowing experience and supervision. Ongoing advisor training and opportunities for specialist roles in energy, debt and welfare advice

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Find out more about South West Aberdeenshire Citizens Advice Bureau
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