Information & Advice Volunteer - Form Filling (telephone and home visits)

We are looking for a reliable, confident volunteer with strong communication, literacy and digital skills to help older people access the support they are entitled to.

About the Service

Our Information & Advice service provides free, confidential and independent support to people aged 50 and over. We are looking for a reliable and confident volunteer to help clients complete important paper and online forms.

About the Role

As a volunteer, you will help older people complete welfare benefit applications, online application forms, and other documents in person, by telephone or during a home visit. Your clear and accurate support can help clients overcome complex forms, health barriers or limited digital skills.

Task may include:

• Help clients complete paper and online forms accurately.
• Explain practical next steps within the boundaries of your training and role.
• Support appointments at our offices and outreach venues, by telephone, and in clients’ homes.
• Data entry to ensure clear and accurate records of client contact
• Work closely with staff and other volunteers

Where?

Various Locations in Sandwel with home visits - a link to a pin pointed map of key areas can be provided

Who would this role be suitable for?

·       This role would suit someone who is patient, caring and non-judgemental, with strong communication, literacy and digital skills.

·       You will need to be confident using IT systems and online forms, able to explain information clearly and comfortable handling personal information confidentially.

·       Experience in administration, advice, teaching, health or social care may be helpful, but it is not essential.

·       Full role-specific training will be provided before you begin supporting clients independently.

Training

You will receive core volunteer training, GDPR and data protection training, form-filling training and guidance on lone working. You will initially work alongside experienced staff in office and outreach settings.

There may also be an opportunity to work towards a Level 2 qualification in Information, Advice or Guidance and to access optional adviser training over approximately 12 months. Although this does not guarantee employment, it can provide valuable knowledge, skills and experience.

Due to the training involved and the nature of the work, we are ideally looking for volunteers who can offer regular, longer-term support.

Working Safely

The service completes a risk assessment before every client home visit. Volunteers must use the lone-working app and follow all agreed safeguarding, confidentiality and safety procedures.

DBS

A DBS check is required for this role. Risk assessments are completed before home visits, and volunteers are supported to follow all safeguarding, confidentiality and lone-working procedures.