Assessment volunteer
Hosted by: Derbyshire Law Centre
Opportunity Description: Position in which volunteers screen initial enquiries to the Law Centre and, with
support from the Assessment Supervisor, progress the caller’s issue(s) to the most
appropriate stage: either providing self-help guidance and signposting or booking an
appointment with a specialist adviser.
support from the Assessment Supervisor, progress the caller’s issue(s) to the most
appropriate stage: either providing self-help guidance and signposting or booking an
appointment with a specialist adviser.
Type of Activity: Administration/Receptionist, Advice, Information & Support, Community Work, Computers, Technology & Website Design
Areas of Interest: Civil Rights, Crisis Support, Disability, Domestic Violence, Homeless, Housing, Immigrants, IT, Justice, LGBTQ+ Rights, Marketing, Poverty, Race, Ethnicity & Refugees, Unemployed
Skills: Practical, Technology, Academic, Interpersonal
Who we are looking for: Although legal experience is not a requirement, we ask that volunteers are interested in the work of the law centre, as well as being interested in helping people in an open and non judgemental manner. Volunteers should be able to communicate clearly, especially over the telephone, and listen, understand, and explain information. Furthermore, volunteers should look forward to working in a team and be friendly to both staff and clients. Additionally, they should be reliable and be able to work in a busy environment, while also abiding by a confidentiality policy.
Skills which should be demonstrated include competent computer skills, particularly sufficient typing skills to complete enquiry records, good verbal communication skills and confidence in dealing with a variety of different people, and the ability to follow set instructions and be trained to follow set procedures. Also, volunteers should have the ability to listen to an enquiry, read and understand a variety of written information, whilst also being able to identify and extract key facts. Volunteers should be able to understand, analyse, and research information, and further relay information back in a clear structured way as well as write accurate records in an agreed format.
Skills which should be demonstrated include competent computer skills, particularly sufficient typing skills to complete enquiry records, good verbal communication skills and confidence in dealing with a variety of different people, and the ability to follow set instructions and be trained to follow set procedures. Also, volunteers should have the ability to listen to an enquiry, read and understand a variety of written information, whilst also being able to identify and extract key facts. Volunteers should be able to understand, analyse, and research information, and further relay information back in a clear structured way as well as write accurate records in an agreed format.
Requirements:
Suitable for: People with Visual Impairment, Employee Volunteers, Indoors, School Students, Long Term Commitment, University Students, People Seeking Work, Short Term Commitment, Older People
Practical considerations: Volunteering opportunities are based in our office in Chesterfield and we reimburse reasonable travel expenses (see below). All of the opportunities at Derbyshire law centre are office based and can be adapted to suit each individual, however to due to ongoing need for support we are unable to offer remote work/opportunities.
Recruitment method: Application Form, Interviews
Disabled Access details: There is ramped access and building is wheelchair accessible, however contact the volunteer coordinator directly to discuss any personal enquiries.
Expenses details: Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on provision of valid tickets/receipts, to the maximum value of £7.00 per session. Lunch expenses can be reimbursed for a maximum value of £4.50 if the volunteer has a shift for 4 hours or longer.
Any Age/Gender restrictions: Aged 16 and above.
Support for volunteers with additional needs: Yes, reasonable adjustments are in place and we aim to be inclusive through flexible, tailored experiences for each volunteer.
Induction Arrangments: A full induction and training will be provided for all volunteers, covering information including GDPR, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. Confidentiality training in line with SRA guidelines is also provided. Shadowing, support and mentoring opportunities are available to all volunteers on commencement of the role and regular progress meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator are scheduled within the first 3 months of volunteering to reflect on progress, achievements and challenges, and to offer any additional support or guidance as needed. Other learning and development opportunities are regularly offered to volunteers as they arise.
Insurance Cover: Employers liability insurance is available for volunteers.
Support Available: There are reasonable adjustments can be made as required for volunteers with disabilities.
Training: Full training is given in all aspects of the work.