Volunteer Benefit Advisor

Community Law Service (Northampton and County) is a registered charity and an independent provider of specialist social welfare advice. The Organisation’s aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents through the provision of specialist advice, casework and representation in the areas of Welfare Benefits, Debt, Housing, Energy/Fuel Poverty and Immigration. Services range from one-off specialist advice to a comprehensive specialist casework service and representation at court or tribunal. CLS is the only advice provider in the county who holds the LEXCEL quality mark for specialist advice. Volunteers are sought to join and work within our expert benefit advice team to enhance the advice provision and support the advisors. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals considering a career in advice or law, or simply for people who wish to make a real difference to the lives of those who require advice. Training will be provided; successful candidates will be required to attend all 6 induction training sessions. Thereafter, we are looking for a time commitment of 3-6 hours a week for a period of at least 1 year, and can be flexible on which days. There is opportunity to develop good knowledge and go on to be independently responsible for managing cases (with supervision). To learn more about the Organisation go to https://www.communitylawservice.org.uk/ For full details of the role, please visit https://www.communitylawservice.org.uk/job-vacancies/

Skills

Essential 1) Excellent listening skills. 2) A non-judgmental attitude. 3) A commitment to equal opportunities. 4) A good level of literacy and IT skills. 5) Good teamworking abilities. 6) An ability to present complex information clearly in written form. 7) A willingness to undertake training as required. Desirable 1) Knowledge of the social security system. 2) An understanding of relevant local and national bodies. 3) Experience of dealing with the public.