volunteer-roles

Advice Support Volunteer – Two charities, One Internship 

Paul Towse

What is the project? 

This is a new way of volunteering. It is a partnership between Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding and Age UK. We have joined together to share our knowledge and deliver the training for this together. 

Volunteers are asked to join us, one day a week for 5 weeks for their initial training.  

Volunteers will join the team at either Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding in their main Hull office, or Age UK at their Hull office. They will develop their skills and knowledge from their initial training. They will have 10-week placement at each charity. Where they will continue to develop their skills and knowledge in a similar environment. At the end of the second placement, volunteers will have the opportunity to choose where they would like to continue as a volunteer. Volunteers can train for other roles or continue as Advice Support Volunteers.  

We will have volunteers joining the programme through to the end of Spring 2025. It will be fantastic to have volunteers that have been on the programme to help show those new to the role, the ropes! 

What is the role? 

Advice Support volunteers will help client’s complete applications, initially this will be for benefits like carers allowance, or attendance allowance but with experience this can develop to other areas.  

Why Should I get involved? 

Volunteers from the first cohort

There are few things in this world that are scientifically proven to make you feel happier. Volunteering is one. If you have the time to offer, here are some of the potential benefits that may be relevant: 

  • make a real difference to people’s lives  
  • gain in-depth knowledge about specific issues, such as benefits  
  • build on valuable skills such as communication, questioning and listening, interpreting information and summarising 
  • increase your employability 
  • work with a range of different people, independently and in a team. 
  • have a positive impact in your community 
  • come and be part of a new project,  
  • Join in our group sessions, with people of similar motivations 

And we will reimburse expenses too. 

What do you need to have? 

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to: 

  • be friendly and approachable 
  • be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own 
  • have good listening skills 
  • have excellent verbal and written communication skills  
  • have good maths and IT skills 
  • be able to understand information and summarise it 
  • be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection 
  • be willing to undertake training in your role 

When does it start? 

We are now recruiting for our second cohort of volunteers. Training for the second cohort will begin on Tuesday 16th April 2024.

How to apply? 

Applications for our second cohort are now open and will close on the 22nd March. You can apply for the role by completing this online application form – please state that you are interested in becoming an Advice Support Volunteer specifically. If you have any questions then you can contact our volunteer team on volunteering@hull-eastridingcab.org.uk or 01482 324655.

Recruitment process 

We will ask all applicants to complete an application form. We will ask potential volunteers to attend an informal interview. This will be online. It is an opportunity for you to find out more about the opportunity and if it is right for you. It is also for us to find out more about you.  

Training 

Volunteers are required to attend all training dates. If you are unable to attend then you will not be able to take part in this cohort. You can still send an expression of interest for future cohorts or other volunteering opportunities. The training dates for the second cohort are as follows: 

16/04/2024 – 10:00 – 4:00

23/04/2024 – 10:00 – 4:00

30/04/2024 – 10:00 – 4:00

07/05/2024 – 10:00 – 4:00

14/05/2024 – 10:00 – 4:00

Volunteering placements 

After training, your volunteer placements will take place:

1st placement: 20th May- 22nd July

2nd placement: 5th August- 7th October

We are able to offer flexibility on the days volunteered each week and understand there may be weeks when volunteers have other commitments. Please feel free to ask us about any queries or concerns you may have.