Volunteer Receptionist Digital Assistant Role

Our Volunteer Receptionists are the public face of our organisation, the first point of contact for many of our clients who visit us for information and advice. Our reception area is staffed by more than one person, and you will work closely with and be supported by the staff Receptionist and the Session Supervisor.

A Digital Assistant provides ‘assisted online digital support’ with using services and completing factual forms online.

This is not an Advice giving role

We are currently not open for drop in advice at our centre under covid precautions. All clients will be attending by appointment for advice or for digital support.

What will you do?

• Greet our clients and other visitors to the Leemore
• Provide some limited information leaflets to clients who visit without an appointment eg: leaflets detailing local food banks, Solicitors lists and self-help materials (Debt booklet)
• Help a client to complete an online Housing benefit claim
• Assist a client with completing an online Blue badge application
• Help a client to complete a Benefit check using either turn2us or entitledto
• Write a summary of what you assisted the client to do and the next steps and action that need to be taken and by whom

What’s in it for you?

• • have a positive impact in your community
  • learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt and housing
  • build on valuable skills such as communication, listening , supporting others to use the internet and access online services
  • contribute to the smooth running of the Citizen Advice Lewisham services and make a real impact on people’s day to day lives
  • work with a range of different people, independently and in a friendly and supportive team
  • Increase your employability – gain experience and skills to add to your CV and promote to future employers
  • Benefit from development opportunities allowing you to train as a Information Assistant/Telephone Assessor
  • And we’ll reimburse travel expenses too

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• be polite and patient when talking to people
• be friendly and approachable.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have good IT, Maths and reading skills
• be able to understand information and explain it clearly to others
• be calm under pressure
• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training in your role including learning new skills and ways of working.
• have an understanding of, and commitment to, confidentiality
• work within the boundaries of the role
• work as part of our friendly team

How much time do you need to give?

We are looking for volunteers who are available Monday to Friday during the day (9.30am – 4pm). Please note we are closed evenings and weekends.

We expect all new volunteers to complete a compulsory induction for 4-6 weeks two days each week . One day must be a Thursday which is our group training day.

During your induction you will be fully supported by staff at Citizens Advice Lewisham guiding you through the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice Lewisham and the learning for the role. After you have completed your induction we ideally ask for 1-2 days per week, which can be over one day or spread over two or three days, for at least 6 months.

Valuing inclusion

Citizen Advice Lewisham is committed to equality and diversity and we recognise that we can learn from people with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences to meet the needs of our clients more effectively. Therefore we welcome individuals from all backgrounds to apply for our volunteer roles.

Commitment to Safer Recruitment

Citizen Advice Lewisham is committed to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults. As you will be working with members of the community who may be vulnerable, this role is subject to two references and a DBS check. Please note that a criminal conviction will not prevent you from volunteering in this role. Please contact us using the details below to discuss any concerns around these checks.

Contact details

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Receptionist/ Digital Assistant and would like to discuss this role further please contact us via [email protected]