Ash CAB In Need Of Volunteer Advisors

Published on: 13 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 13 Sep, 2015

Ash Citizens Advice Bureau is in need of volunteer advisers and is starting a new adviser training course at the end of September.

Centre manager Vicky Payne says: “Unfortunately, the bureau has lost six advisors in the last nine months. Three have needed to take on full-time paid employment, two have retired after long service, one sadly died recently very suddenly and another is on long term sick leave.

“We are looking to train about six people. It takes around six months and nearly all the training takes place in the bureau apart from a three-day training course in Guildford.

“We are a small friendly team and once we get people they stay a long time. It’s a very interesting role and the main qualities we are looking for in an individual are good listening skills and a non judgemental attitude because people often come to us with quite complex problems and we need to roll up our sleeves and try to help them find the best way forward.

“Sometimes we will see them many times until the issues are resolved. We help out clients by looking at different options available to them and finding the appropriate information and help that they need.”

Purpose of the role

To help provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public.
To help influence government and other organisations by informing them of the effect of their actions on the lives of clients.

Main duties and responsibilities may include:

Interviewing clients, both face-to-face and on the telephone, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping the client to set priorities.
Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision.
Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals.
Completing clear and accurate case records.
Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action.
Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and by essential reading.
Attending bureau meetings.

Personal skills and qualities that an adviser needs:

A commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service.
Excellent communication skills, including being a good listener.
Being open and approachable.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant.
Basic mathematical skills, including percentages.
Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own.
An understanding of why confidentiality is important.
Being open to using computers on a regular basis.
A positive attitude to self-development and assessment.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role

If you would like to apply or would like more details, contact Ash Citizens Advice Bureau on 01252 315569.

Residents who live in the Ash area of Guildford borough can contact Ash CAB, Ash Hill Road, Ash GU12 5DP (at the rear of the Ash Centre).

It offers drop-in sessions, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 1pm; appointments, Monday to Thursday, 1.30pm and 2.45pm; and a telephone advice service on Fridays between 10am and 1pm.