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Community Advice Volunteer

"Helping People to Help Themselves" - The Alexandra Community Advice Network provides a free, confidential referral information and advice service. The office is located in the Community House, Alexandra and is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. 

The aim of the organisation is to ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available, or through an inability to express their needs effectively.

ACAN run a free JP and legal clinic and also co-ordinate the delivery roster and distribution of Meals on Wheels for Alexandra and Clyde.

Volunteers are trained to give advice and local information to the Alexandra and wider communities. ACAN has an extensive computer directory which can be accessed to answer most customer enquiries. You don't have to know all local information as you will be shown how to access it. 

All volunteers are trained and have another qualified person to do the 3 hour shift with you.

The main tasks in the role are:

  • To work effectively with clients
  • To use all information resources and information systems to research and answer enquiries
  • When requested, assist with phone calls, form filling, letter writing and referrals to advocacy
  • Assist with general tasks on request
  • To read all new information in various formats and attend training
  • To record all enquiries in the computer database
  • To assist with bookings and organization of the JP and legal clinics
  • To assist with the referral and roster of Meals on Wheels volunteers

Volunteers gain the following:

  • Enhanced interpersonal skills including communication, empathy, and administration skills. 
  • Increased knowledge of organisations and support services available within the community.  
  • Satisfaction from giving something back to the community whilst also providing a social opportunity for themselves.

Requirements

Volunteers interested in the role need to be/have:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Able to relate well to a diverse range of people with the ability to provide support in an empathetic way, both face-to-face and over the phone.
  • An effective listener with good written and oral communication.
  • Must understand and maintain the strictest confidentiality at all times and display non-judgmental and impartial attitudes.
  • Basic computer and communication skills (internet, data input etc) with ability to be taught set procedures whilst having a friendly manner for customer service.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

A minimum of a 3 hour session once a fortnight. The roster is weekly with time slots of 9-12 and 12-3 weekdays. Training is on-the-job whilst alongside an experienced advisor. In addition, all volunteers attend approximately 6 training sessions throughout the year.

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 1733


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