Volunteer Reception and Information Assistant at Citizens Advice

What does the opportunity involve doing?

*To provide a high-quality reception service to Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove clients who visit our office at Hove Town Hall on Tisbury Road.
*To assist visitors to the local charities Money Advice Plus and Wave Community Bank who are also based at Tisbury Road.
*In time, to progress to the Information Assistant role and provide information in a friendly and supportive manner to the general public across all ages and backgrounds.

What induction, training and support is offered?

Full ongoing and specialist training is provided. All aspects of a volunteers' role has support and supervision provided.

We offer the opportunity to:
*Make a real difference to people’s lives by making sure that clients receive the right support for them.
*Learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.
*Build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and questioning.
*Increase your employability.
*Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

This is a role where you can have a positive impact in your community. And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What skills or qualities are needed?

*The ability to use listening and questioning skills in a sensitive manner in order to help clients.
*Open mindedness and an ability to show respect for views, values and cultures that are different to our own.
*Enthusiasm about helping people.
*An understanding of why confidentiality is important.
*The ability to recognise and maintain appropriate boundaries when helping clients.
*A clear communicator both in speaking and in writing.
*Good levels of literacy and numeracy.
*Confidence in the use of computers, the internet and software, including databases.
*The ability to input data accurately.
*A well-organised and systematic approach to work.
*A positive attitude to self-development and assessment.
*The ability to work as part of a team and be flexible and adaptable.
*Supportive of the principles and values of Citizens Advice.
*Willingness to attend training and other meetings.