Volunteer Role Profile

Role Prison Admin Support

Role summaryTo support the operations in a Shelter Housing and Debt Advice Service, taking part in duties that relate to our work advising clients.

Suggested Involvement One day per week minimum suggested for around 6 months, but this is flexible

Supervised by Volunteer Co-ordinator

Why get involved with Shelter?

More than one million people a year come to us for advice and support via our website, help lines, and national network of services. We help people to find and keep a home in a place where they can thrive, and we tackle the root causes of bad housing by campaigning for new laws, policies and practice. The Prison Housing and Debt Advice Service works closely with prisoners to assist them in with their housing and debts problems.

Main Tasks

  • Assist clients in accessing accommodation, benefits and support
  • Researching whether clients have accessed accommodation on release
  • Writing basic letters / emails to clients / services
  • Data entry using Shelter’s Client Information system
  • Filing
  • Other administrative tasks as requires

Skills and Abilities Required

  • Interest in social welfare law e.g. housing; welfare benefits; debt; community care; justice system
  • Ability to organise your own work, manage your time and work on your own initiative
  • Ability to use computers and programs such as Word and Excel
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our customers
  • Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity & confidentiality

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

  • Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
  • Provide personalised volunteering plan, covering support and development
  • Provide e-learning: Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, CICM, Contracts & Case work
  • Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter

  • Supporting and learning about the work of a large National charity
  • Developing transferable skills
  • Enhances your CV, we can help you to update this and will provide references you leave
  • The opportunity to gain experience in a unique environment

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role description does not form part of any contract of employment.