training for our volunteers in Reading

All staff and volunteers at Reading CAB receive training so that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform their roles with competence and confidence.

In addition to advisers we need healthly lifestyle coaches, receptionist workers, information support workers, advice support workers, administrators, translators and other roles including IT, fundraising and training. You will receive training and support in order to carry out this work.

• Personal development (getting back to work after a break, building confidence and self-esteem etc)
• Professional development (i.e. gaining transferable skills and work experience that could launch you into a new career or support development in your current job)
• Making a contribution to your community through public service (e.g. helping people like you who are dealing with difficult circumstances)

Please contact our guidance tutor on 0118 952 3025 or email us for further information on the variety of roles that we have on offer.

Click Here to download a Job Description for a Generalist Adviser

Click here to download an information pack regarding volunteering with the Citizens Advice Service

Click Here to download a job description for a Customer Support Worker

Many people have the skills necessary to be an Adviser and no specific qualifications are required before you start. All CAB advisers in England and Wales are trained to the same standard leading to the CAB Certificate in Generalist Advice Work (equivalent to NVQ level 3/4).

Selection

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer adviser you will be asked to complete an application form which asks for information about your skills and experience however gained. Prospective advisers will be invited to the Bureau for familiarisation and for practical assessments.
Following this, short-listed candidates will attend an interview with two members of bureau management. Final Assessment takes into account your application form, practical assessments, interview, time commitment, availability and Bureau requirement.
Selection is a two way process and at any time you may withdraw your application. If you are unsuccessful we ask that you wait two years before reapplying.
If you have any complaints about the selection process you can follow our complaints procedure by initially contacting the Bureau Manager.

The Training

Following selection all trainees work through the Training rogramme leading to a CAB Certificate in Generalist Advice Work . The training programme is designed to allow trainees to train at their own pace and a Guidance Tutor, based in-Bureau, provides support and assistance.

The subjects covered by the training programme include:-

• CAB Aims and Principles and policies
• Interviewing skills
• The legal framework
• Benefits
• Debt
• Employment
• Housing
• Immigration
• Social Policy
• Case Recording

The Training Programme is a 5 stage process as follows:

Stage 1 . The first stage is in the Bureau and is an introduction to the Aims and Principles of the CAB service. There are weekly half day workshops on interviewing skills with study packs to read. During this time the trainee spends a further half day session in Bureau shadowing experienced advisers and observing interviews. Trainees are asked to keep a record of their learning.

Stage 2 Again in Bureau where the workshops will look at the major enquiry areas. There are further study packs to read and the trainee will continue to learn about Bureau policies and procedures with their Guidance Tutor. A further record of learning is completed.

Stage 3 The trainee attends a 4 day external course (spread over 2 weeks) with trainees from other Bureau. The course provides the trainee with a chance to build on and practice the skills learnt in the earlier part of the programme.

Stage 4 The trainee returns to the Bureau and will continue with workshops on the major enquiry areas. They will also start to interview clients under the supervision of their Guidance Tutor.

The first 4 stages take approximately six months to complete and there are regular reviews during this time. The trainee will then become a trainee adviser and will start to interview clients alone. They will continue to be supported by an Advice Session Supervisor and experienced advisers.

Stage 5 During the next six months the trainee adviser will develop their skills by interviewing clients and undertaking further training to develop their knowledge. To complete the CAB Certificate in Generalist Advice Work the trainee adviser is asked to keep a further record of learning and there will be three assessed interview and reviews. Once these are successfully completed the trainee is welcomed as a CAB adviser .

Please click here for our volunteering fact sheet.
(Opens as a PDF file in separate window).