The Citizens Advice Bureau is a free, non-judgemental service. Bureau Interviewers ensure their clients understand their rights and obligations under the law. They advise them of their options and support them to take action to resolve their issues. National CAB in Wellington provides an up-to-date data base of legal information to use and Interviewers have access to the many support agencies they can recommend to clients. Bureau Interviewers work in pairs to man the office and answer calls from local and 0800 numbers as well as answer online queries. The CAB also offers legal and JP clinics.
While there are some paid staff to support volunteers, it is the volunteers who have the most impact on a day-to-day basis.
As a Bureau Interviewer you will:
- Use your active listening skills to understand people's issues
- Utilise an online database to help community members find solutions
- Provide information in a kind and empathetic manner to those who require it
- Offer options to those who may feel they don't have any
- Provide practical help in the form of effective customer service
- Keep a record of enquiries
- Write case studies to inform policy
- Assist with the running of the Bureau
- Have the opportunity to participate in policy making
- Interact with other community agencies
The volunteer process includes:
- A basic training course of online modules (this is spread over several weeks)
- Probationary supervised sessions
- Monthly on-going training
- Regional or cluster training seminars
What's in it for volunteers?
- Bureau work is stimulating and occurs in an atmosphere of friendliness and companionship
- You get to meet and help people from a variety of different backgrounds
- You will learn a lot about your community which you can pass on to your own whanau and wider community
- You will increase your knowledge and self-confidence
- Customer service and research skills acquired are transferable to other environments
Requirements
- An interest in your local community and a willingness to contribute to it
- An interest in finding and providing information
- A very good level of English (verbal, written and comprehension)
- A good level of computer and research skills
- Patience, tolerance and open-mindedness
- Respect for those from different backgrounds and cultures
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the training and interview work. Due to the special nature of the position it can take up to 1-2 years to fully train and volunteers are always learning as they go!
- Knowledge and use of other languages is useful but not essential
- All Volunteers must undergo a police check
- In the interview process two referees are required and all referees are checked
A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
- Work on one of two rosters (Mon - Fri hours 10:00 -1:00 / 1:00 - 4:00 and Saturday 10-12pm) Other positions may be available outside these times
- Attend initial training courses, complete online modules and work alongside an experienced mentor. Accreditation is awarded after the first year of service provided all training requirements have been met
- Attend on going training sessions each month
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: 2100
Information & Advice
Volunteer South's office is closed from Friday 20th December until Monday January 6th. Many organisations listing roles online will also be taking a break. During this time your requests to connect will go through, however there may be some delay in you hearing from the organisations you select. Please be patient and if you have not heard back from them by mid January email them directly and give them a nudge. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season and summer.
Enquire about this role:
Dunedin