Castle Advice Service enjoys working with volunteers, it gives us a chance to pass on the knowledge and skills that
the centre has. Many different kinds of people volunteer so we enjoy getting to know different people and involving
them in our friendly team. We also enjoy seeing people become more confident and knowledgeable over time, many of our
volunteers are looking for paid work and leave us when they achieve this aim.
What do volunteers
at Castle Advice Service do?
We are looking for Volunteer Advisors and Volunteer Receptionists.
Advisors : help us to run the Advice Service by seeing people that come in for advice. They
interviw clients to find out about the problems that they have. They then give clients advice and information about
the best course of action. They also help clients by writing leters, making phone calls and/or filling in forms.
Receptionists: Volunteers welcome people who come into the centre and answer the telephone.
Do I need experience?
No. You don’t need to have done anything
similar before. You do need to be willing to learn and interested in helping people. Our volunteers come from
lots of different backgrounds and life experience is often very helpful.
Is there training?
Yes. All volunteers wil receive full training, this will usually involve attending training both within the
centre and at training centres in Sheffield. Full support will be given by expereienced staff.
How
long does it take?
Volunteer Advisors start by sitting in with expereienced staff. They then attend
a 17 week advice skills course. They then continue learning 'on the job' by advising the public. Volunters
can be trained to a high level and can eventually be doing very skilled specialist work. We need a reasonable time
commitment from volunteers to reflect the level that they are working towards. Reception volunteers will have some training
sessions and then sit in with experienced admin staff who will support them in learning the skills needed to be a good reception
worker.
How much time do I need to spare?
Roughly 1-2 days
per week, but we can be flexible to work round your circumstances if possible.
How do I find out
more?
Click below to download information about volunteering at Castle Advice Service. After
you’ve read this and you are interested in finding out more or you have some questions please contact us. We
will arrange for you to come in to the centre for a chat and a look round. You will have the opportunity to sit in with
experienced workers before you make the decision to apply.
