Resident Advice and Guidance Volunteer

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate, approachable and motivated volunteers to help residents access information, advice and guidance that supports their independence, wellbeing and ability to sustain their accommodation.

People experiencing homelessness can face a range of challenges when trying to access services, understand their rights and responsibilities, manage everyday issues and move towards greater independence.

As a Resident Advice and Guidance Volunteer, you will provide practical support to residents by helping them identify their needs, access relevant information and navigate the services and resources available to them.

You will work alongside our staff team, helping residents feel listened to, empowered and better equipped to make informed decisions about their lives.

This is a supportive and enabling role. Volunteers will not be expected to provide specialist legal, financial, housing or welfare benefits advice, but will help residents access appropriate professional support where needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide residents with a friendly, approachable and supportive point of contact.
• Help residents identify areas where they may need information, advice or additional support.
• Assist residents to access relevant services and support agencies within the local community.
• Help residents find information about housing, welfare benefits, employment, education, training, health and wellbeing services.
• Support residents with practical tasks such as completing basic forms, making appointments, accessing online services and understanding correspondence.
• Help residents identify opportunities to develop independent living skills and improve their confidence.
• Signpost and refer residents to appropriate specialist organisations and services.
• Encourage residents to take ownership of their decisions and develop the skills needed to manage their own affairs.
• Support residents to understand their rights, responsibilities and available options.
• Work collaboratively with staff, ensuring that any concerns or additional support needs are appropriately communicated.
• Maintain confidentiality and operate within the organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures.

What We Are Looking For

You do not need to be a qualified adviser or have previous experience in the homelessness sector. We are looking for individuals who:

• Have good communication and listening skills.
• Are approachable, patient and non-judgemental.
• Have an interest in supporting people to overcome challenges and improve their circumstances.
• Are organised and able to help people work through practical tasks.
• Have good basic IT and digital skills.
• Are comfortable supporting people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of support needs.
• Can maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Are willing to learn and work within the guidance and policies of the organisation.
• Understand the importance of empowering people rather than doing everything for them.

What Support Will You Receive?

• An induction to the organisation, its services and the people we support.
• Guidance and supervision from an allocated member of staff.
• Relevant training, including safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Clear guidance on the limits of the volunteer role and when to refer matters to staff or specialist services.
• Opportunities to develop practical skills and gain experience in the housing and support sector.

The Difference You Will Make

Your support will help residents access services, understand their options and overcome practical barriers that may otherwise prevent them from moving forward.

By providing time, encouragement and practical guidance, you will help residents build confidence, develop independence and take greater control of their circumstances.

You will be contributing to our wider aim of helping people move away from homelessness and towards stable, independent and fulfilling lives.