We are recruiting
Staff Vacancies
Citizens Advice Stevenage delivers a service called “Help to Claim” which offers end-to-end support to help people make a new Universal Credit claim and be ready for when their first payment arrives. We are looking for an adviser with good communication and IT skills to support clients to make and complete their new Universal Credit claim, as well as a commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service. You’ll have the ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings. Our services are delivered digitally, by phone and webchat. An understanding of the welfare benefits system is desired. Additional training is available.
Working within the aims, policies, and principles of the Citizens Advice Service, to support clients with a range of issues, providing information, signposting and referrals via telephone and email. The successful candidate will complete necessary training to provide holistic information, signposting, and referrals on a range of issues.
Volunteer with us
Volunteering is such an incredible opportunity to not only give something back to the community but to gain valuable new skills and experiences. Plus boosting your confidence!
Our volunteers get involved for a number of different reasons, whether that is to give something back to society, improve their skills and confidence, or increase their employability. We also have a number of different roles, from Advisors to Administrators and Receptionists! Click on the role below and read the role packs for more information:
Hear from our volunteers:
Iain MacCormick, Volunteer Adviser
Freddie Westbrooke, Volunteer Adviser
Our Journey so far...everyone is welcome
Heidi Woodhead, Volunteer Rep & Adviser
Meet Brenda, one of our Generalist Volunteer Advisers:
"Citizens Advice Stevenage is important for the community. Some people just don't have the knowledge, confidence, or ability to solve their problems on their own. Where would they go without us?
For me, volunteering at Citizens Advice Stevenage keeps my brain active and gives purpose and order to my week and although I don't need progression, it stands people who do, in good stead for employment." - Brenda, Volunteer Adviser
Ready to get involved?
If you’d like to talk to us about getting involved, please fill out the volunteer application form.
Entitlement to work or volunteer
If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, it’s important you check you are permitted to volunteer or carry out ‘unpaid work’ in addition to your main reason for entering the country, to avoid jeopardising your visa status.
If you cannot find the answer clearly on your immigration documentation, contact the UK Border Agency
EU/EEA nationals from other countries are entitled to volunteer if they have one of the following statuses to volunteer:
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Pre-settled status
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Settled status
A visa status that allows volunteering (as outlined on the NCVO website
FAQ's
Around 30% of our volunteers who leave Citizens Advice Stevenage go on to paid employment. Local Citizens Advice volunteering provides skills and experience that is valued by many employers.
Will volunteering help me get a job?
All volunteers receive an induction when joining their local Citizens Advice and all receive comprehensive, free, high quality training. This training may consist of working through study packs, online training, face-to-face courses and observing advisers or other volunteers and staff in their roles.
Do you provide training?
All our volunteers get something different from their volunteering experience. Some of the most common benefits reported are:
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making a positive difference to peoples' lives
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receiving high quality training
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getting invaluable work experience
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developing new skills such as communication, problem solving, analytical skills, IT etc.
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improving self esteem, confidence and wellbeing
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meeting new people from a range of backgrounds
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making friends
What will I get out of volunteering with Citizens Advice?
We require you to 8 hours per week. This can be one full day or, preferably, two half days. Our advice sessions run from 10am-1pm in the morning and 1pm-4pm in the afternoon.
Our longest standing volunteer to date has been with us for nineteen years!
How much time do I need to give?
We will reimburse reasonable travel to and from training sessions, and travel to and from the office for your volunteering shift and other out-of-pocket expenses. We will let you know during the recruitment process, what expenses we can reimburse.
Will I get my expenses paid?
What support will I receive?
All of our volunteers are supported and supervised throughout their time at Citizens Advice Stevenage. When you join us you will get more details about who is supporting you day to day.
If you are an adviser, there is an Advice Quality Supervisor on duty at each advice session to guide and support you. We make sure that you're not put in situations that are beyond your abilities.