Volunteer Role Description

Information and Advice Service Form Filler

Staffordshire Moorlands

The aim of the service
Age UK North Staffordshire offers a free, confidential, independent and trusted information and advice service.In most cases we can help clients directly, but if we’re unable, we will put them in touch with someone who can.We have a drop-in service in Hanley, Newcastle and Leek.
Our information and advice service is specially tailored for the needs of anyone over the age of 50, and their friends, relatives and carers.Our help can make the difference between just managing and really living life to the full.
Further details on our website at:
Location and time of activity
  • Hours to suit but we would welcome people who can offer around four hours per week minimum.
  • For office appointments, the office base of our Staffordshire Moorlands service is at 4 Russell Street, Leek ST13 5JF, but the volunteer may be expected to carry out home visits to clients in the area, using their own transport.

Aims of the volunteering role
  • To assist clients to complete forms at home visits or office appointments so that they can claim rights and benefits.

Volunteer’s specific responsibilities
  • Receiving appropriate training and meet required standards.
  • Liaising with staff and volunteers to arrange appointments with clients.
  • Visiting or meeting with the client in order to gather information from them for completion of required form(s), and in accordance with Age UK Policy and Practice.
  • Filling in the relevant form(s) to enable the client to make a claim or similar
  • Form-filling includes Welfare Benefit Forms, Blue Badge Applications, Help with Health costs Forms, Housing Applications, or any other form within our remit that the client needs help with.
  • Providing brief reports on activity completed and timely completion of timesheets/expense forms etc
  • Receiving supervision as appropriate

Reporting to and supported by
The volunteer will report to and be supported by the Age UK North Staffs Information and Advice Officer in Staffordshire Moorlands, Lion House, 4 Russell Street, Leek ST13 5JF. Tel 01538 387732.
Supervision is via the Information and Advice Supervisor at Age UK North Staffs Head Office, 83-85 Trinity Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 5NA. Tel 01782 286209.
Skills and personal qualities required
Good literacy and numeracy essential. Legible handwriting. Ability to deal face to face with people aged over 50 in a home or office setting. Comfortable working remotely and alone. Experience preferable although full training is provided. Use of a car needed if doing home visits.
Training provided
In addition to initial training/induction there will be specific training to enable volunteers to carry out the role successfully, including specific form-filling training and benefit training/updates, plus volunteer updates.
Other requirements of role
The role holder will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check which will be paid for by the charity. This is because the role involves going into the homes of vulnerable people.
Entitlements
  • Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs incurred in this role at (currently) 45p per mile for car travel or production of receipts/tickets on public transport
  • Periodic supervision sessions with their Supervisor
  • Protection under the charity’s insurance cover while engaged in this volunteer role.

Finding out more before you apply
If you would like to find out more about this role before you fill in the application form, please contact our Staffordshire Moorlands Information and Advice Office, at 4 Russell Street, Leek, Staffs ST13 5JF Tel. 01538 387732

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