English Conversation Circle Volunteer

POSITION TITLE:  English Conversation Circle Volunteer

DIVISION: Immigrant & Settlement Services

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer Conversation Circles Facilitator

LOCATION: 75 MacNab St. S, Hamilton, Ontario

HOURS OF WORK: Once weekly (2-3 hours per week)

OBJECTIVE: The Volunteer Facilitator is responsible for facilitating an English Conversation Circle group (10 – 15 adult participants per session). Facilitator will be responsible for brainstorming and planning different topics to allow newcomers to practice their spoken English.  These topics should address practical needs of participants, facilitate conversation, and provide opportunities for social connection. Our goal is to support newcomer women feeling welcomed to the community, confident in their English language skills, and connected to others. This is an ideal position for someone enrolled in TESL Training to gain practical experience.

REPORTS TO: Community Connections & Settlement Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent oral and good communication skills
• TESOL/TESL certification (or enrollment in a TESL Training Program), or related ESL teaching experience would be an asset
• Previous experience in a multicultural environment would be an asset
• Basic knowledge of Hamilton area and its resources
• A good understanding of the Canadian culture and systems (e.g.: legal, education, health )
• Good interpersonal skills
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values
• Works from a feminist, anti-oppressive/anti-racist perspective
• Willing to accept supervision and take direction
• Respectful of confidentiality and privacy
• Reliable, mature, non-judgmental, kind, caring and able to listen
• Time commitment as agreed upon

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To prepare topics and activities for newcomer adults to Canada considering a variety of English language levels
• To provide leadership and work with other YWCA staff and volunteers to deliver the program
• To assist with program related tasks (attendance, printing etc.)
• To participate in the delivery and evaluation of conversational English sessions for adults
• To develop positive relationships with Immigration & Settlement Staff, and participants while displaying a professional attitude
• To set up and take down the program area each day, including clean-up
• To adhere to organization and program policies and procedures, and maintain confidentiality of agency and client
• Adhere to all policies as outlined in the YWCA Volunteer Training
• Perform other duties as assigned

NECESSARY TRAINING / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• YWCA General Volunteer Training
• Position Specific Orientation
• Reliability: Commits to attending the program for entire duration and is prepared to lead the group at each
• Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear and timely manner to support information
• Leadership: Motivates and inspires self and others to take- action to achieve desired
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interactions, both internally and externally, to build enthusiasm and appreciation to achieve work related goals.
• Sense of Community: Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of communities and responds to their
• Tolerance for Ambiguity: Functions effectively in situations of less than perfect or incomplete

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum Age: 18 years old