Role Purpose
Under the direction of a Regional Services Co-ordinator, to assist in the delivery of the Fund's help and advisory services.
Volunteer Visiting Officers are involved in visiting applicants in their homes or workplaces to assist with the completion of applications for assistance, providing advice and information and signposting applicants to sources of advice in the areas of benefits, social care, housing and debt.
Description and Responsibilities
- Visiting applicants to assist in the completion of application forms for financial assistance.
- Completing reports defining applicant circumstances and need.
- Providing advice and information and signpost applicants to local/national agencies and other sources of advice.
- Meeting the standards set for visiting as defined by the Fund’s Management Board.
- Building up knowledge of local/national agencies, under the direction of a Regional Services Co-ordinator.
- Attending training briefings/seminars/events as required.
- Taking an active interest in the overall aims and development of the Fund’s help and advisory services.
Experience/Qualities
- Well organised and efficient in approach to paperwork.
- Good written/ verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Awareness of social, cultural and other issues within society.
- Ability to retain a practical, non-judgemental and objective but sensitive approach to applicants and their circumstances.
- A caring attitude and willingness to help others.
- Confidence in building rapport and discussing sensitive issues with applicants.
- A willingness to attend training and develop skills as required.
Time Commitment/Expectation
To be agreed. Time commitments may vary and are dependent upon needs within each region and volunteer availability however the ability to offer an average of 8 hours per month is desirable.
Volunteer Visiting Officers should be willing to travel within their designated region and occasionally to other regions for training and networking. Own transport or use of public transport is required. Visiting Officers using their cars will need to have insurance for use on Fund business.
Benefits
As a Volunteer Visiting Officer you are able to have a direct impact on the well-being of others within the civil service community. The role also provides an excellent opportunity to retain or extend skills and knowledge in benefits and advice provision as well as enhancing your communications expertise.
Expenses for essential travel/subsistence are reimbursed.
