Bengali-Speaking Volunteer Trainee Debt Advisor
Debt Talk CIC
Debt Talk CIC is looking for a Bangla-speaking Volunteer Trainee Debt Adviser to support our advice service and improve access to information and support for Bangla-speaking community members in the East End. The role involves working directly with clients, understanding their circumstances, providing appropriate information and signposting, and referring cases to specialist advisers where required. You will receive ongoing training and supervision to develop your advice skills and knowledge.
Debt Talk CIC is the UK’s first Bangladeshi-led debt advice and financial education service. We provide free, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed independent and FCA-authorised debt advice, supporting people to overcome financial crisis and rebuild their lives. We are looking for a Bangla-speaking Volunteer Trainee Adviser to support our advice service and improve access to information and support for Bangla-speaking community members in the East End of London. The role involves working directly with clients, understanding their circumstances, providing appropriate information and signposting, and referring cases to specialist advisers where required. You will receive ongoing training and supervision to develop your advice skills and knowledge. Key Responsibilities - Provide initial information, advice and support to clients (under appropriate supervision). - Communicate confidently with Bangla/Sylheti-speaking clients in Bangla/Sylheti and English. - Listen carefully to clients and identify their needs and priorities. - Explain information and available options clearly and sensitively. - Signpost and refer clients to appropriate specialist services. - Support clients to access relevant services and resources. - Maintain accurate and confidential records of client contacts. - Follow organisational policies, procedures and professional boundaries. - Identify and appropriately escalate safeguarding or other urgent concerns. - Attend training, supervision and team meetings. - Develop knowledge of relevant advice areas, legislation and local services. - Work alongside experienced advisers and other volunteers. This Bengali-speaking volunteering opportunity is structured as a learning and development placement, with appropriate supervision and training. It would be particularly valuable for anyone interested in a career in advice, housing, community development, social welfare or the voluntary sector.
Advice, Information & Support,Languages & Translation
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Language Skills, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing, Customer Service
Essential Requirements - Fluent in spoken Bangla/Sylheti and English. - Some previous experience in an advice, support, advocacy, community, customer-service or similar role would be advantageous. - Good listening, communication and interpersonal skills. - Ability to deal sensitively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds. - Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries. - Good organisational and basic IT skills. - Willingness to learn and undertake training. - Reliable and committed to agreed volunteering hours. Desirable - Previous volunteering or employment within an advice organisation. - Experience supporting Bangla/Sylheti-speaking communities. - Knowledge of local support and community services. - Experience in areas such as housing, welfare benefits, debt, or general advice would be advantageous. - Understanding of safeguarding and data protection. - Experience using case-management or client-recording systems.
You will receive: - An induction to the organisation and advice service. - Training relevant to the role. - Regular supervision from an experienced adviser. - Opportunities to develop practical advice skills. - Guidance on case recording, confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries. - Opportunities to gain further experience within the advice sector.
Volunteers are needed for 1 to 2 days a week. Ideally you will commit to 6 months. We can discuss time commitment, based on your needs.
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Mare Street or Whitechapel or Mile End.
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