Advice Centre - desk and appointments volunteer

What we need

We need volunteers to support a frontline advisory service to clients in one or more of the roles below. Volunteers give information and advice on a range of disability matters and signpost people to more specialised agencies when appropriate.

Specialist roles

All our volunteers help provide a welcome and accessible service, helping out with, answering queries, and working directly with our clients. Volunteers can then choose to specialise in one of 2 roles:

1.    Appointments Volunteer

Supporting clients to complete applications for disability-related benefits via one-to-one appointments.

Shifts available:

• Thursday 10am to 1pm
• Thursday 1 to 4pm

2. Desk Volunteer

Responding to enquiries with information about benefit application processes, carrying out research, and carrying out admin tasks. 

Shifts available:

• Tuesday 1 to 4pm
• Thursday 10am to 1pm
• Thursday 1 to 4pm

Benefits

1. Be made welcome as a key part of the Possability People, working together to support disabled people
2. Receive a full induction and training, with support throughout your time volunteering with us.
3. Build confidence and learn new skills - from key office and admin skills to challenging discrimination and navigating systems.

Practical Considerations

Shifts available:

• Desk volunteer –
  • Tuesday 1 to 4pm
  • Thursday 10am to 1pm
  • Thursday 1 to 4pm
• Appointment volunteer
  • Thursday 10am to 1pm
  • Thursday 1 to 4pm

Deadline for applications – Monday 1 June at 9am. Please state on your application which shifts you are available for.

Informal interviews – Tuesday 9 June (in person, Kemp Town)

Context

• This role is based at our Head Office in Kemp Town, Brighton.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 1 shift or appointment per week for 6 months.
• We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments with you; for example, changes to shift times, provision of equipment, additional support needs.
• This role is supported by the Advice Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator.
• All volunteer appointments are subject to satisfactory references and DBS Clearance.

Support Disabled

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments with you; for example, changes to shift times, provision of equipment, additional support needs. 75% of our team are disabled themselves, so you'll be made welcome and encouraged to discuss any additional needs.

What skills do I need?

Essential skills and experience

•  Lived experience of disability, or an interest in and understanding of disability
•  Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the social model of disability
•  Ability to commit to a regular and reliable volunteering schedule
•  Good communication and interpersonal skills
•  Confident and effective telephone communication, with the ability to listen and accurately relay information
•  Basic IT skills, including email and Microsoft Word
•  Ability to use initiative and good organisational skills.

Approach and behaviours

•  Able to work in a respectful, non-judgemental way when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues
•  Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
•  Able to manage occasional challenging situations or behaviours.

Values and commitment

•  Commitment to providing quality services and support for disabled people
•  Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and treating all service.