Does Anyone Volunteer for their Local CAB?

cabbage

Hi

In our bureau it wouldn't happen as there is a team of money advisers but I suppose it could happen if you only had one specialist. If you were a volunteer I think you could choose not to seem them but as a paid member of staff, unless the client had a problem seeing me, then I would see them. If you were the only specialist you would consult with your supervisor about referring them to another bureau or another charity if you were the only volunteer specialist.

In our bureau you have to go through the generalist adviser training before doing specialist training because advising a debt client could also mean maximising his/her income through benefits or advising on employment law etc etc.

Does that answer your query?

chocsessential

Hi Cabbage

That does answer it, many thanks. The manager has told me that I can volunteer to be a generalist or a money advisor, and I can choose which to do.

cabbage

Hi Chocsessential

If it was me and with the benefit of hindsight I would train again as a generalist. There's always the chance to specialise later.

I went for a job as a trainee money adviser after my generalist training but didn't get it. I found out they thought I was best suited to advise on a variety of things and see a variety of clients but I thought this was flannel to let me down lightly. It turned out they were right and when I compare roles, I prefer the one I took as a volunteer and now as a paid worker. My knowledge in all subjects is building and I am challenged every day.

If you were to go straight into to money advice you would need to do your generalist training to do other things in the bureau.

This is just my take on things and ultimately its your decision chocs.

chocsessential

cabbage wrote: »

Hi Chocsessential

If it was me and with the benefit of hindsight I would train again as a generalist. There's always the chance to specialise later.

I went for a job as a trainee money adviser after my generalist training but didn't get it. I found out they thought I was best suited to advise on a variety of things and see a variety of clients but I thought this was flannel to let me down lightly. It turned out they were right and when I compare roles, I prefer the one I took as a volunteer and now as a paid worker. My knowledge in all subjects is building and I am challenged every day.

If you were to go straight into to money advice you would need to do your generalist training to do other things in the bureau.

This is just my take on things and ultimately its your decision chocs.

Thanks for taking the time to explain everything so thoroughly. So many choices! I don't suppose they do job descriptions for these roles do they? I should have asked the manager really. I've been looking on different CAB websites from up and down the country trying to find out more about the different roles. I think I'll have to speak to her again for more information.

cabbage

HI

There must be some job descriptions knocking about somewhere for the paid staff so it shouldn't be too much to ask them to get them.

Best of luck

chocsessential

HI Cabbage

I have the application form in front of me and the manager said to fill it in and then go back and have another chat about the roles. I am coming round to the idea of being a generalist advisor but I need more details before I commit to anything. I would hate for them to invest their time and money in training only for me to wish I'd taken the other role, if you see what I mean.

hethmar

I would advise that applying to be a CAB voluntary worker is much the same as applying for a paid job elsewhere - you may not be thought suitable for the job you have applied for, so do bear that in mind. Best to complete the form and then talk over all your queries at your interview. But you would have to do your general advisory training anyway before going into a more specialised role.

I always remember being told "its the same commitment as a paid job but you just dont get any money" .

Re your query about working at your local office. It's a difficult one. I did have moments when I felt embarrassed, more so for the person coming for advice than for myself, if I recognised them. However, on the plus side, having a local knowledge of the people and places was often a great benefit which outweighed the occasional uneasiness.

chocsessential

Hi Hethmar

I agree with you totally; I may not be suitable for one reason or another. I have done charity work before in very different organisations. Like you say it is a proper job, and that is why I want to be very careful about making the right decision so I don't mess them about. The funny thing is I went in enquiring about a totally different role, and when I explained my previous volunteer experience the manager felt I might like to apply for an advisor role. I am such a worry wart!

hethmar

Dont worry at all, you sound ideal and Ive no doubt you will be fine . If you feel you dont, presently, have the time needed for the training re advising, then it may be an admin job is available in the meantime?

lizzielondon

sorry don't mean to gatecrash your thread but just wanted to add a quick question

I am hoping to volunteer for CAB once my exams are out the way in a couple of months. I'll be taking a year out between my degree and doing my GDL law conversion course (hopefully) and am looking for several ways to get legal experience

My question is do you know if there is a long waiting list for volunteer positions? or are they keen for new people? I didn't want to apply until my exams are out the way but i'm now wondering if i should apply a few months in advance?

thank you!