Advice Centre Volunteer at Possability People

What does the opportunity involve doing?

Advice Centre volunteers support disabled people, their families, friends and carers by providing information, advice and practical support. Volunteers work alongside the Advice Centre team to help people understand their options, access services and make informed choices.

Depending on your interests and experience, you may support clients with disability-related benefit applications, provide information appointments, help people prepare for medical assessments, complete benefit checks, assist with applications such as Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Bus Pass, or signpost people to other organisations for specialist support.

Volunteers may also respond to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries, carry out research, update client records, manage appointments and support general administration such as scanning, filing and uploading documents.

The role involves supporting people in person, by phone or online (for example via Zoom), and taking the time to build trust and confidence with clients.

Advice Centre volunteers play an important role in ensuring disabled people receive accurate information, feel listened to and are supported to have choice and control over their lives. You will be part of a team that works alongside disabled people to challenge barriers and promote equality.

What induction, training and support is offered?

Before starting in the role, you will receive an induction to Possability People, our services, values and ways of working. You will also receive training specific to the Advice Centre, including our systems, processes and how we support disabled people to access information, advice and services.

You will receive ongoing support from the Advice Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator and wider team, including regular supervision, guidance and opportunities to discuss your learning and development. You will not be expected to know everything when you start — we will support you to build your knowledge and confidence over time.

Volunteers also have access to a range of free training opportunities, including disability equality, confidence building, computer skills and customer service

What skills or qualities are needed?

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, approachable and able to build trust with people
• Good listeners who can communicate clearly and sensitively
• Respectful and non-judgemental when supporting people with different experiences and needs
• Patient and able to take time to understand someone’s situation
• Organised and able to manage information accurately
• Comfortable using basic IT systems, including email and Microsoft Office
• Reliable and able to make a regular commitment
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Interested in disability equality and supporting disabled people to have choice and control over their lives

You do not need to know everything about disability benefits or support services when you start — we provide training and ongoing support to help you develop your knowledge and confidence.