Different volunteering roles

• Advice Needs Assessor

As an assessor, we expect you to greet clients and explain the assessment process, explore the client's problem(s) and situation, assess the risk/urgency of the client's issue and their ability to deal with the problem themselves, and then identify the next step that needs to be taken. You would then summarise the content of the interview for the client and explain what needs to happen next and who should do it. If your client needs an appointment with a generalist adviser, you would make the appointment, always ensuring that clients know they can return if they need more help. Finally, you would update the client's records.

• Generalist Adviser

Advisers normally see clients by appointment, following an earlier diagnosis of their problem by an assessor. Advisers provide detailed information specific to the clients issue, discuss options with clients, help them negotiate with people such as creditors or service providers, draft letters, make phone calls on their behalf, create financial statements, undertake benefit checks and, where necessary, can refer them to specialist advisers within the bureau or to other specialist agencies.

• Receptionist

Receptionists help us manage our 'front-of-house'. As a receptionist you would greet clients and other visitors, answer the phone, ensure clients know what is happening and how long they are likely to wait, explain the services available, monitor client numbers and waiting times, maintain the reception area, and create or update client records.

• Social Policy Assistant

Every CAB collects 'evidence' from clients, a record of where they have had particularly good or bad experiences with particular agencies or companies. By collating and reporting on this evidence you could help bring about changes in local and national policies and services which can benefit everyone - even those who have never used a CAB. We might ask you to train staff and volunteers in identifying issues and completing evidence forms, to conduct research and write reports, to get involved in media campaigning, as well as liaison with other bureaux and agencies.

• Trustee Board Member

Because every CAB is a registered charity, each has its own board of trustees. At South Gloucestershire CAB, we will normally recruit trustees to fill specific skills gaps, but we do want to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience. Because our Trustee Board usually meets in the evenings, you can fit this around a full time job or study. As a member of the Trustee Board, you are jointly responsible for managing and planning the bureau's overall strategic direction, acting as employer for paid staff, managing the bureau's finances, ensuring the bureau complies with the law and being responsible for premises, insurance and equipment.