Citizens Advice - Bureau Interviewer

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a champion of people's rights and they work to solve the underlying causes of the problems the community face. They believe it is important that everyone in New Zealand can participate in their community and access the services they need. Each Bureau office is staffed by trained volunteer Bureau Interviewers who are drawn from the community, and support members of the public over the phone and in person. The CAB also offers legal, financial 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 is provided (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
• 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 is essential
• An interest in current affairs is essential
• Volunteers should be caring, impartial, tolerant and open-minded
• Respect for those from different backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Basic IT skills are required
• Effective verbal and written English language skills
• Knowledge and use of other languages is useful but not essential
• All Volunteers must undergo a police check
• 2 referees - all referees are checked

A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

• Volunteers can work on one of three rosters to cover the office's Mon - Fri
  (Opening hours: 9:00 - 11:30 / 11:30 - 2:00 / 2:00 - 4:00)
• Volunteers ideally attend one 2/2.5 session per week
• Attend an initial training course - spread over three weeks (2.5 hrs)
• Attend monthly training sessions

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.

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In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.