Citizens Advice Wigan Borough is a local independent charity providing free, confidential, impartial and independent advice for residents in Wigan, Leigh and Makerfield. We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. We also aim to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
Administrator
The purpose of this role is to provide clerical and administrative support and assistance to the service in order to ensure smooth operations. No two days are the same for the admin team, so this role is ideal for anyone looking for variety. You will work closely with other team members, as well as external stakeholders, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. Ultimately, our administration team plays a crucial role in helping the organisation to run effectively and efficiently. Strong organisational and communication skills are ideal.
Benefits form filler
Benefit claim forms can be complicated and confusing for our clients. Therefore, getting help completing these forms promptly can reduce stress for the client and may help them to get their money quicker. As a benefits form filler, you will be completing paper and online forms with clients, for example to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance (AA). If you have an understanding of benefits or are willing to learn more about the benefits system, then this could be the role for you.
Face-to-face or telephone assessor (including Community Outreach Adviser)
You will be responsible for providing guidance and information to clients in either a face-to-face or telephone setting on various issues such as benefits, housing and employment. You will play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate through challenges and make informed decisions to achieve their goals. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, and be responsible for understanding their unique needs and circumstances. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others, have good interpersonal skills and are willing to learn new skills. You will:
* Talk to clients to explore what problems they've come for help with
* Find information about the clients' problems and help them to understand their options
* Write a summary of the clients' problems and what action you've taken
For the Community Outreach Adviser role, training will be at one of our offices, and once training is complete you will be doing the face-to-face assessor role based at one or several outreach locations within the Wigan Borough.
Research & Campaigner
Your role will involve identifying common, or unfair, problems that clients come for help about, helping volunteers and staff to understand the cause of the problem, how it affects clients, and what change could solve the problem. You will help to organise a campaign with the aim of raising awareness of the problem, which may involve creating materials such as newsletters or presentations, or writing an article for social media or a newspaper. You will assist with getting the organisation that is causing the problem to change the way they do things, and help to carry our research about how certain issues affect clients within the area.
Please note that this is a volunteer position and no pay will be provided, however reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in a volunteer role whilst making a difference in the community.
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: In person