Our organisation & the programme
Ozanam House is a community resource centre run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It is located on the site of the original clothing and furniture warehouse in a building that has also been used by the Society for a variety of purposes for over 100 years. Since our opening in September 2002, we have continued to develop various programmes and projects aimed at addressing the issue of social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers over 600 programme places to more than 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.
Our Adult Education programmes are extensive and vary from creative courses, like Arts & Crafts and Choir, Health & Wellness, Home & Life Skills, Computers classes and many, many more. It caters to different levels and these courses are an ideal springboard into further education.
Overview of the Volunteer Role
We try to nurture and build on the unique skills our volunteers possess and bring to the centre and we do this through supporting them to facilitate sessions with the adult education programmes. Our Adult Choir class offers an affordable space in a fun and friendly choral group. We cater for all abilities and levels.
It is open on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, throughout the academic year.
Tasks
- To prepare a 10 week course plan in advance of each term
- To source materials required to undertake the courses, these will be funded by the centre
- To ensure the room and space are prepared and ready for the participants in advance of the class
- To lead and teach the class
- To review activities with the programme coordinator implementing changes where necessary
- To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
Time commitment
12.30pm – 1.30-pm for a ten-week term (Next term September 25th to December 4th 2019)
The volunteer should consider committing to the time of the classes/workshops plus extra time for the planning and preparation of the classes/workshops.
Skills, Experience & Qualities Required
- Expertise and skill in singing
- Fun and Energy when teaching your skill to a group of enthusiastic adults
- Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good organizational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
- Previous workshop experience is desirable but not essential
Training & Support
- The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the co-ordinator to receive a role-specific induction and to agree a timetable and schedule of duties in line with the volunteer role description
- The volunteer will receive support at all times of the programme staff – class leaders and assistants.
- Special support will be given by the programme coordinator in advance for planning the workshop.
Benefits
- Personal and professional development
- Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
- Learn new skills (e.g decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills, behavioural competencies)
- The chance to contribute towards the development of people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
- To make a difference in people’s lives
- Opportunity to use and develop skills and talents
- Opportunity to bring ideas on board and develop the centre
- Opportunity to work in a relaxed atmosphere and learn about a community resource centre
- Opportunity to develop friendships and meaningful relationships with like-minded peers
- Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
- Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers
If you have a skill or qualification in an area that you feel will benefit Ozanam House
please contact us!
A meeting will be arranged.
Contact