The Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People is a user led organisation that promotes independent living for all.

The Federation works towards equality by inspiring disabled people to identify barriers anddefine solutions.

To provide a frontline advisory service to clients by answering the telephone and dealing face-to-face with people dropping-in to the Disability Advice Centre. To give information and advice on a range of disability matters and to signpost people to more specialised agencies when appropriate.

To provide one-to-one appointments to clients of the Disability Advice Centre either in person or by phone. To support clients to complete applications for a range of disability related benefits.

  • Provide information, advice and support to users of the centre by telephone, email or in person.
  • To greet clients when they arrive, making them feel comfortable and welcome.
  • Conduct research in order to respond to complicated enquiries. Feed information back to Disability Advice Centre team where possible.
  • Use online database to complete a record sheet for each contact made to the centre.
  • Identify and book form filling appointments. Update Outlook email calendar and database with a record of each appointment booked.
  • Provide, wherever possible, options to service users in order that they may make an informed choice regarding their enquiry. Signpost to other services where necessary.
  • Carry out general project admin such as scanning, printing letters and photocopying.
  • To assist clients to complete applications with full, relevant and accurate details.
  • To take the necessary time to build trust and confidence with clients.
  • To provide clear and accurate advice about the process of applying for the given benefit.
  • Maintain confidentially on all enquiries received by the Disability Advice Centre, and all information regarding any service user.

Advice Centre Volunteers are responsible to the Disability Advice Centre staff team.

We expect 1 regular shift a week on a day which is convenient to you. We need volunteers from Monday through to Friday between 10 am & 1pm or 1pm & 4pm.

We expect our form filling volunteers to offer at least 1 appointment of approximately 2 hours per week, from Monday through to Friday.

Each Volunteer will attend a group induction session with the Volunteer Officer & Volunteer Support Assistant in order to familiarise themselves with the overall working practices of the organisation and to prepare for their Volunteering role.

Volunteers will have 1:1s every three months with a member of the Disability Advice Centre staff team.

Volunteers are expected to shadow at least one appointment and have their first appointment shadowed by a staff member before working 1:1 with clients.

Volunteers always work with a member of staff and are made to feel welcome as part of the Disability Advice Centre team.

An opportunity to offer your skills and experience.

The chance to build confidence, self-esteem and make a difference.

Access a range of free courses, including equality, welfare rights, working with vulnerable people etc. through volunteer training budget

To work alongside other people to do things which you wouldn't or couldn’t do alone e.g. challenging discrimination, reviewing services, delivering training.

To help yourself and other disabled people be properly included in your community, at work, at home, socially and in the wider world.

Join a team committed to better, more equal and inclusive public services.

Meet new people.

Learn new skills, develop your C.V. and gain work references.

Have fun!

  • A commitment to the provision of quality services and support for all disabled people in Brighton and Hove.
  • The ability to retrieve and analyse information and then convey this in a clear, methodical fashion to service users.
  • A preparedness to make a regular time commitment.
  • A commitment to the principles of equal opportunities for all service users.
  • A friendly and supportive telephone manner.
  • An ability to use one’s own initiative and conduct research into areas of enquiry.
  • A good understanding of computers and Outlook (although training given).
  • A commitment to the provision of quality services and support for disabled people.
  • To be able to think analytically, identify relevant information and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • To demonstrate empathy with the client and be able to understand their emotional needs. Ability to discuss issues of a personal nature with a sensitive and non-judgmental approach.
  • An ability to use one’s own initiative and work 1:1 with clients (with support of the staff team).
  • Some experience of working with the public.
  • Knowledge and understanding of disability and disablement issues.
  • Some knowledge of disability-related benefits.
  • Knowledge of local service provision.
  • Advice skills.
  • Ability to deal with occasional challenging situations and behaviours.
  • Some experience of completing Disability Living Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance forms.
  • Some experience of conducting benefits appeal work.
  • Some experience of working with people with complex needs.
  • Some experience of disability and mental health issues.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Social Model of Disability.

Please note:

This role does not require any knowledge and or experience of a particular project or department.

Please do not worry about the tasks – a thorough induction will be provided with ongoing support and training.

All Staff & volunteer appointments are subject to satisfactory DBS Clearance.

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