Volunteer Coordinator within adult literacy charity | Read Easy Shropshire Hills

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for adults who want to learn to read with us. They are vital in supporting our Reader and Coach pairs and see the progress our Readers make first-hand.

What will you be doing?

Read Easy Shropshire Hills needs one, possibly two, new Coordinators as the number of Readers we are supporting grows. We are now offering our service across Shropshire and into north Herefordshire as well as some parts of east Powys. This has become possible through remote learning using tablets, laptops and phones – a capability that we have developed during the pandemic. While some Readers meet their Coaches face to face, others prefer remote learning or a mix of the two.

When somebody approaches us wishing to learn to read, the Coordinator makes a simple assessment of their needs and explains whether and how Read Easy may be able to help them. They then pair up each new Reader with a Coach who has been trained by Read Easy. They provide ongoing support to these reading pairs, visiting their reading sessions occasionally and having regular phone contact with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well. It is a very rewarding role that would suit somebody wishing to make use of a professional background in education. They can also call on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having.

Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible and the time required for the role will vary on a weekly basis and the number of reading pairs you are responsible for monitoring. The role provides lots of variety, is largely home-based and can work well around other commitments.

What are we looking for?

Responsibilities

• Help interview prospective new Coaches
• Enrol and assess new Readers, using the resources provided
• Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions
• Visit your reading pairs to monitor progress and provide support if required, presenting certificates on occasion.
• Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.
• Contribute to Coach meetings run jointly by the Management Team, Literacy Specialist and Coordinator, where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support
• Keep records, provide the Management Team with written reports and submit expenses for payment regularly.

Personal qualities and experience

• Professional background in education
• Strong personal literacy, so that you can confidently guide others and a willingness to become fully familiar with the principles of phonics and the content and methods of the Turning Pages coaching manuals
• Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Self-awareness and the ability to maintain a professional approach
• Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills
• Reasonable confidence in using IT
• An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Team Leader or Literacy Specialist when necessary
• The ability to use initiative and to work well as part of a team
• A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with
• A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
• A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures
• Energy and enthusiasm with a minimum of 3 hours a week to commit to the role.

Prospective Coordinators can discuss their availability with the Management Team and agree how many Reading Pairs they can look after, according to the hours you wish to volunteer.

Coordinators are invited to attend most Management Team meetings. These are typically every 4-6 weeks, either in person or remotely over Zoom.

What difference will you make?

By helping people to tackle their reading difficulties, Read Easy enables people to become more independent, improve their employment opportunities, support their family’s reading and begin to explore many other opportunities. Above all, our Readers experience remarkable improvements in their confidence and self-esteem.

The quotes below illustrate the impact on, and reward for, both Coordinators and Readers.

“Today, when I introduced a new Reader to her newly-trained Coach, she revealed that she hadn’t slept since Thursday because she’d been so excited about being given another chance to learn! I’ve just returned home from this introduction having watched both of them laughing at stories of their own ineptitude in various aspects of life. They are both so excited. This is the loveliest thing about being a Coordinator!”

“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Causes

• Education

Organisation type

Charity

Read Easy Shropshire Hills is a local group affiliated to Read Easy UK. We aim to improve adult literacy in our area by offering free, one to one coaching. Coaching takes place face to face and…