What experience and abilities are necessary?
All our volunteer advisers receive full training. No particular qualification or experience is necessary but you will need to possess the following abilities:
- Be a good listener, open minded, and able to work with clients to achieve results
- Be able to read and understand sometimes complex information in order to explain it
- Do basic arithmetic
- Work as a team member
- Commit yourself to a certain number of hours each week
- Support equal opportunities
- Basic computer skills
The training programme
Generalist Adviser Training
The Generalist Adviser Training Programme (ATP) consists of formal training sessions which cover the main topic areas dealt with by advisers such as benefits, money advice, housing, employment, relationships and immigration. During the ATP this knowledge is put into context and given practical use during Bureau Practice.
It can take from 7-10 months to complete the training and acquire ‘Generalist competence status’. Due to the time and cost to the organisation in providing this training we also ask that volunteers are able to commit to spending a minimum of a year advising with Citizens Advice Edinburgh.
A View on CAE Adviser Training
Our next Generalist Adviser Training Programme will be in October 2013 and recruitment will take place during August this year.
If you wish to apply to be a volunteer adviser, please click here.
OPEN DAYS
We held a successful Open Day at our bureau in Leith in March 2013 from 10am to 2pm. The Open Day was an opportunity for people to meet some of the staff and volunteers and learn more about our work.
Our next Open Day will be in the autumn of 2013. Do come along whether you are interested in an advisory or non-advisory role.