Energy Advice Volunteer

• Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau

• VO104822

· Providing specialist information, advice and support to people in Midlothian who are facing financial hardship, with a focus on maximising cost-savings and the efficiency of home and energy use.
· Providing information and advice to improve energy efficiency and reduce home energy costs and referring clients to schemes that are appropriate to their needs and circumstances.
· Enabling clients to maximise available income through benefit checking and assistance with applying for grants, refunds, settlements, emergency home fuel payments and other funds to which they are entitled.
· Advocating on the behalf of the client with external agencies and/or challenging decisions, where necessary.
· To practice respectful inquisition while identifying underlying issues, for the provision of holistic advice.
· Entering client data on our case management system promptly and accurately, ensuring all information is processed in line with bureau policies including confidentiality and Data Protection.

Experience required

· The ability to engage sensitively with people who are vulnerable and/or in distressing situations.
· The ability to maintain strong boundaries and practice self-awareness while working amicably with clients, staff and other volunteers.
· Clear verbal communication skills to engage sensitively with clients, advocate for clients with external agencies, communicate with clients and the CAB team.
· Effective written communication skills (for task planning, case recording, monitoring and evaluation, correspondence and report writing.)
· Confidence in using IT and telephony systems e.g. case recording, email, diary management or a willingness to learn these skills.
· Willing to undergo self-directed and directed learning initially. Continuously keeping up to date on relevant information and services available to clients.

Travel details

The interview and initial training will take place at the Dalkeith CAB office. The volunteer role will take place at Dalkeith CAB and across various outreaches in Midlothian. All venues are linked to bus routes. Dalkeith is also serviced by train and there is a free car park on Old Edinburgh Road in Dalkeith.

Travel expenses

Volunteers are reimbursed for car fuel and public transport expenses monthly or Bi-weekly if needed. Volunteers must retain evidence of their public transport expenses. Car fuel is reimbursed at the standard HMRC rate and calculated per mile.

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Support

Training details

Training takes place in a supportive learning environment at the Dalkeith CAB office. Volunteers will shadow advice staff at outreach locations across Midlothian when the initial training is completed. We have robust training modules that are recognised at SCQF level 6 for general advisers - ATP 1-4.
The volunteer must be willing to undertake continuous training and feedback and will have regular support and supervision available. We provide mixture of self-directed online learning, shadowing experiences for the practising of volunteer roles. We can supply upskilling courses suited to the volunteer role needs and for professional development.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 16

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Volunteers (aged 16-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Midlothian.

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