A generalist adviser sees clients who have been assessed as needing further help to explore and resolve their problems.

What You'll Do: 

Being an adviser is a very varied role.  As an adviser you will:

  • Interview clients via email, over the phone or in person
  • Give information from the Citizens Advice information system and other sources
  • Give advice in explaining the choices and consequences the client faces
  • Give practical help by writing letters, making phone calls, completing forms, doing calculations, and even representing clients at tribunals
  • Refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
  • Keep records of all clients’ cases
  • Prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients

 

Support every step of the way

Advisers don’t need to know it all!  We provide all trainee advisers with a comprehensive accredited training programme that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high-quality service to clients. Your training will include online learning, class-based courses via video conferencing and the option to “observe” by listening in to phone calls as well as in person.

Our up-to-the minute electronic information system contains most of the information you will need when advising clients.

 

Once you have qualified as an Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

 

We expect our Advisers to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week whilst training and 1-2 days per week when advising (times to be mutually agreed). During the initial training period you will observe client work as well as using self-study packs to increase your understanding of the role.

Why You'll Love It: 
Why not hear directly from one of our volunteers? "I decided to volunteer with Citizens Advice because it allows me to give something back to my local community by enabling me to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In addition, whilst volunteering the role I have taken on has provided me with a wide range of transferable skills that will be invaluable in any future roles."
What You'll Learn: 
Everyone Lots of transferable skills which will prove valuable for any path you chose to take in later life: digital skills. communication skills. patience. dealing with individuals in emotional situations.   Law students If you do the SQE, it counts as a recognised period of training. Transferable skills for a training contract. Adviser role gives you the experience and practice of interviewing clients and managing your own caseload. Learn lessons about leadership. Will prepare you for pro-bono work which you may undertake as a solicitor. Develop your research skills. Develop interpersonal skills Develop levels of professionalism. Learn to be patient. Seeing law in action (e.g., family, employment).
What We're Looking For: 
You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an adviser.  You need to: Be good at listening Be able to work in a team Be able to read and write English, and do basic maths Be open-minded and non-judgemental Enjoy helping people
Summary
Volunteering
Community
Crisis Support
Middlesbrough
52 Weeks Minimum
8 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Active listening
Organisation
Problem Solving
Research
Communication
Skills you should possess: 
Research
Intermediate
Requirements: 
In-Person Interview
Phone Interview

Similar Opportunities

 
Community Christmas Fair
MAIN - Taking Autism Personally
Min. 1 Weeks Minimum weeks
Community Christmas Fair
Volunteering
Disability

MAIN are holding a Community Christmas Fair, with Pennyman and Elizabeth House on the 29th November, from 11am - 3pm, please if you are able to support send an email of interest to info@iammain.org.uk, those attending will need to be on site at 9am.

 
One-to-One Reading Volunteer
Bookmark Reading Charity
Min. 6 Weeks Minimum weeks
One-to-One Reading Volunteer
Volunteering
Education, Young People

Help us promote a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, by offering one-to-one reading support with children in disadvantaged communities. This is an online opportunity with completely flexible hours!

 
Do Good, Feel Good, Tree Planting Day! 02.12.25
Volun-tees
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Do Good, Feel Good, Tree Planting Day! 02.12.25
Volunteering
Environment

Do Good, Feel Good, Tree Planting Day 02.12.2025

Related Articles

Girlguiding Cleveland
GIRLGUIDING UK
Find your place in our team of inspirational women, sharing their skills and passions with girls. Enjoy the opportunities guiding has to offer.
Samaritans
SAMARITANS
Volun-tees were approached by a group of Interior design and architecture students keen to work on a live project. Samaritans was chosen for a room...
Volun-tees
Heather Carabine
"Volunteering was essential - it gave me the knowledge I needed about working with patients so that I could answer the questions fully at my job...