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Role Details

Title

Community Advice Volunteer

Organisation

Centre for Justice Innovation

Distance from the search postcode

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Website

https://justiceinnovation.org/areas-of-focus/community-advice This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

As a community advice volunteer, you will support the team by engaging with court users, be them defendants, victims, witnesses or friends and family. You will be completing needs assessments with clients, identifying how we can support them. We can offer advice around numerous support areas such as Housing, Benefits, Debt, Substance Use, Mental Health and more. After completing needs assessments, you will then be giving them advice, completing referrals or arranging further casework with the client. We don't offer any legal advice, but can help our clients try and find the appropriate service that may benefit them. You will work independently from the court and be approachable for clients who may be experiencing distress and anxiety. Alongside practical support, you will be available to court users who may need some emotional support or who just need somebody to talk to on the day.

As well as offering a holistic, client centred approach to clients, you will have a keen eye for researching voluntary and statutory organisations and be confident liaising with external agencies. No two clients are the same and new support needs may need specific support that requires searching for relevant organisations that can assist. You will ideally have knowledge around the benefit systems and pathways for drug and alcohol support, or be keen to learn more about relevant support services both locally and further afield.

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Support Work,General & Helping

Skills & Attributes

Basic IT skills - internet & email, Counselling, Research

Skills Description

Skills and experience: -Strong writing skills and good spoken English -The ability to undertake thorough needs assessments with clients -Skills in engaging a variety of audiences (service users and professionals) constructively -Insight into challenges faced by court users (including defendants, their families, witnesses and victims) -Previous experience working for a statutory or voluntary sector organisation supporting individuals in the criminal justice system. -Ability to listen and understand client concerns, worries and support needs empathetically and without judgement.

What is in it for you

-Making active steps to make a difference in your community. Community Advice has a strong record of accomplishment of offering holistic support to people who offend, their families and their victims. -Achieving brief interventions and ensuring support is in place to help people not to reoffend. -Make court users experiences less daunting and anxious.

Time Commitment

Minimum - Half day (9.30AM-1PM)

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

Michelle McGuire

Role Address

Community Advice Highbury Corner Magistrates Court 51 Holloway Road

Postcode (See Google maps below)

N7 8JA

Directions

Highbury Corner magistrates court is a few minutes walk from Highbury & Islington station, serviced by the Victoria and London Overground lines. It is

Number of volunteers required

How to find out more

Contact Michelle