Category Archives: VOLUNTEERS

Ozanam House Volunteers
News and information for Volunteers.

Apr 23 2020

Summer Project Assistant

A safe place where people learn and grow,

   that serves our needs and enriches our lives

   in a supportive, fun and caring environment

Ozanam House Resource Centre is a community centre based on Mountjoy Square in the north inner city and operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, one of the largest charitable and voluntary organisations in the world.

The centre offers various educational (adult and youth), community, youth and childcare programs that are aimed at addressing social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers 600 programme places to 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 80 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

One of our biggest and most successful programmes is our summer projects where we engage up to 200 children and young people on an action-packed activities programme throughout the months of June, July each year.

We engage as many volunteers as possible to facilitate this activity programme, mentoring the children, facilitating activities where skills allow and acting as role models to the children throughout.

Key Roles and Responsibilities are:

1. Coordinator Assistant

  • Assisting the Coordinator with all aspects of planning and preparation for the summer projects in the weeks leading up the start date in July and throughout the 4 weeks of the project in July
  • Working as part of the summer project team with volunteers, students and managers, Assisting the Coordinator with identified tasks and roles throughout the 4-week project in July 
  • Working directly with the children and young people supporting them in all aspects of their daily activities and routines while aiming to build a bond with the young people and the volunteers
  • Utilising and sharing your skills to ensure that the time you offer the programme is quality time
  • Acting as a role model to the children and young people, supporting them in all areas of their learning and development
  • To learn about youth work and good youth work practices with the help and support of the team through development meetings with the team
  • Using policies and procedures in working with the children
  • Taking part in daily briefing sessions and end of day debriefs with volunteers  Continuous on-going supervision as agreed with the coordinator

Skills, Experience & Qualities 

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish good relationships with children and young people 
  • Strong commitment and enthusiasm to children and young people and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives 
  • Interest and commitment to developing the capacity to provide reliable support to children and young people in times of stress and act with integrity, respect and support 
  • Good organizational skills & Admin skills for admin assistant role 
  • Good level of energy and fun as well as an accepting and non-authoritarian approach 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Reliability, patience, resilience and flexibility  Ability to treat children and young people’s concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity 
  • Ability to be aware of own limits, to admit it and to ask for support  Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Support 

  • Volunteers will attend an induction/information night in the centre prior to starting and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our policies and procedures 
  • A Child Protection (safeguarding vulnerable children) Training session will be provided. This training will inform the volunteer of the protection and welfare of children under the Children’s Act 1997 and best practices when working with young people in this environment. 
  • The volunteer will attend specific summer project training focusing further on the details of the project itself and the role of the youth leader/mentor with lots of practical tips and guidance on all areas of the summer project 
  • Daily and ongoing individual supports will be provided throughout your time on the project

Support & Supervision

Daily debriefing meetings occur throughout the placement where the volunteer will have an opportunity to review the day and get support and advice from training and qualified staff members in the centre. More formal supervision will be provided weekly if and where necessary.

Benefits  

  • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability. 
  • Learn new skills (decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills, behavioural competencies…) 
  • The chance to contribute towards the development of children and young people to enhance the sense of self-worth and belief 
  • Opportunity to use and develop skills and talents  Opportunity to bring ideas on board and develop the centre 
  • Opportunity to develop friendships and meaningful relationships with like-minded peers 
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience  Opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and progressive team

Contact

Kim Haugh

Email; [email protected]

Phone; 087 1836978

Apr 23 2020

Summer Project Administrator

A safe place where people learn and grow,

   that serves our needs and enriches our lives

   in a supportive, fun and caring environment

                                 Summer Project Administration Position

Ozanam House Resource Centre is a community centre based on Mountjoy Square in the north inner city and operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, one of the largest charitable and voluntary organisations in the world.

The centre offers various educational (adult and youth), community, youth and childcare programs that are aimed at addressing social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin’s north inner city. The centre now offers 600 programme places to 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 80 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.

One of our biggest and most successful programmes is our summer projects where we engage up to 200 children and young people on an action-packed activities programme throughout the months of June, July each year.

We engage as many volunteers as possible to facilitate this activity programme, mentoring the children, facilitating activities where skills allow and acting as role models to the children throughout.

Key Roles and Responsibilities are:

1. Project assistant – Administration 

  • Assisting the Coordinator with all aspects of planning and preparation for the summer projects in the weeks leading up the start date in July and throughout the 4 weeks of the project in July
  • Keeping up to date information on data spreadsheets on Ozanam House computer system
  • Making phone calls to parents and service users as directed by the coordinator
  • Setting up Notice Boards in each base room and updating regularly
  • Signage – Displays around the house – General information around the centre – updating as required
  • Notes going home – Trip details / liaising with venues, gathering required information, preparing notes etc, informing parents of upcoming events
  • Managing lunch support team as well as stock control of food supplies given to those children who may not have enough
  • Trip Liaison and preparation officer – Ensuring all required information is to hand in advance of trips. On trip days each group will have a bag with juice, jugs, plastic cups, biscuits and travel bag (wipes, tissues, newspapers, black bag, bin liners, cheque/money)
  • Volunteer Support – checking in with volunteers each day, following up with volunteers – confirming attendance, updating rosters and acting as Information Liaison officer, organising social nights out on Fridays for Volunteers

Skills, Experience & Qualities 

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish good relationships with children and young people 
  • Strong commitment and enthusiasm to children and young people and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives 
  • Interest and commitment to developing the capacity to provide reliable support to children and young people in times of stress and act with integrity, respect and support 
  • Good organizational skills & Admin skills for Admin Assistant role 
  • Good level of energy and fun as well as an accepting and non-authoritarian approach 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Reliability, patience, resilience and flexibility  Ability to treat children and young people’s concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity 
  • Ability to be aware of own limits, to admit it and to ask for support  Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Support 

  • Volunteer will attend an induction/information night in the centre prior to starting and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our policies and procedures 
  • A Child Protection (safeguarding vulnerable children) Training session will be provided. This training will inform the volunteer of the protection and welfare of children under the Children’s Act 1997 and best practices when working with young people in this environment. 
  • The volunteer will attend specific summer project training focusing further on the details of the project itself and the role of the youth leader/mentor with lots of practical tips and guidance on all areas of the summer project 
  • Daily and ongoing individual supports will be provided throughout your time on the project

Support & Supervision

Daily de-briefing meetings occur throughout the placement where the volunteer will have an opportunity to review the day and get support and advice from training and qualified staff members in the centre. More formal supervision will be provided weekly if and where necessary.

Benefits  

  • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability. 
  • Learn new skills (decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills, behavioural competencies …) 
  • The chance to contribute towards the development of children and young people to enhance the sense of self-worth and belief 
  • Opportunity to use and develop skills and talents  Opportunity to bring ideas on board and develop the centre 
  • Opportunity to develop friendships and meaningful relationships with like-minded peers 
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience  Opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and progressive team

Contact

Kim Haugh

Email; [email protected]

Phone; 087 1836978

Apr 23 2020

Summer Project Volunteer

                   

                                 

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

OZANAM HOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE

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.

SUMMER PROJECT VOLUNTEERS

Commitment:  Flexible with a minimum of five days required during the project

Hours:  Project runs from 10.00am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday throughout the Month of July.

During the month of July Ozanam House is bursting at the seams with the happy voices of 250 children from the North Inner City who attend our highly successful Summer Project.  We are seeking volunteers who enjoy the challenge of working closely with children from the age of 6 to 13 in a fun, safe and structured environment.

The Ozanam House Summer Project is an activity based project with some excursions included each week. These activities include Arts & Crafts, Cookery, Computers, sports and games, swimming, Karaoke, violin and guitar classes, treasure hunts, drama, sign language and singing amongst others. We engage 250 children from the local community. Our children are divided into groups of 20 and each group is lead and supported by up to 5 volunteers each. Our volunteers act as mentors and friends to the children, encouraging and supporting them throughout the project.

Training Provided

Induction Training – Introduction to the centre and all aspects of the project

Child Protection Training. 

Summer Project Training Day – Team building / programme details / behaviour management / planning and Scheduling.

Skills Required:

Sense of fun and enjoyment

Previous experience engaging young people and advantage but not necessary

Good communication skills

Understanding of community development

Support & Supervision

Daily debriefing meeting occur throughout the summer project where volunteers review the day and get support and advice from training and qualified staff members in the centre.

Benefits

  • General happiness and satisfaction
  • Personal and professional development in terms of confidence, patience, adaptability.
  • Learn new skills (decision-making and finding alternatives, leadership skills, communication skills, organizational skills, behavioural competencies …)
  • The change to contribute towards the development of children and young people to enhance the sense of self-worth and belief
  • 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
  • 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

Contact

Kim Haugh

Email; [email protected]

Phone; 0871836978

Dec 20 2019
Gallery

Happy Christmas from our Youth Groups

This gallery contains 14 photos.

We have had news of a Santa’s Sleigh sighting over Mountjoy Square! Even the little elves have appeared out of nowhere! Be aware of the special one with an extra creepy laugh!  Here at Ozanam House, Santa’s elves have been hard at … Continue reading →

Dec 19 2019

Photography Leader

                                    

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 3 and our eldest is 94. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.


We offer a wide range of programmes that cater to the community of the North East Inner City. From our Childcare Centre for pre-school children to our Active Retirement and Men’s Groups for the elderly and our Youth Groups and Adult Education for everything in between.

Photography leader for Programmes

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 youth groups.

We are looking to document all of our programmes, with the Youth Groups in particular, as much as possible with a view to use for promotional material and social media. This will involve taking the pictures with a camera provided and editing the material using software like Abobe Illustrator and Photoshop. We are hoping that the leader will engage with the young people and show/teach them different techniques, possibly doing once off workshops.  

Tasks

  • Taking pictures of the Youth Groups in action
  • Properly cataloguing the material for use
  • Editing any material that needs it
  • To link in with the social media and design team for planning and production
  • To review activities when necessary
  • To link in with Group Coordinator to plan material
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Work with the Youth groups possible workshops. This will involve teaching interested children how to use photographic equipment and software.

Time commitment

3-4 hours monthly, but subject to change.

This ongoing project will interact with the different programmes and it is planned to take place in the next term year; September 2019 to June 2020.

It is hoped for that the volunteer will stay with the programmes for a period. The exact times and dates of the workshop will be agreed between the volunteer and the Youth Work coordinator.

The hours of project engagement will vary and will suit the volunteer’s and the centre’s needs. The volunteer should consider committing to the time of the group above plus extra time for the planning and preparation of the classes/workshops.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Expertise and specific skill in photography
  • Ability to relate well to young people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence towards other people
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Knowledge of mentioned software
  • Previous workshop experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Support

  • The volunteer will have an initial meeting with the Youth Work coordinator 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 from the programme team – coordinator, volunteers, 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 children and young people to enhance their sense of self-worth and belief
  • To make a difference in young 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

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.

Phone: 01-8742804
Email: [email protected]

Dec 12 2019

Social Media Support

                    

                                       

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

Our organisation

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 3 and our eldest is 94. We also engage 75 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.


Overview of the Volunteer Role

We run our social media platforms to promote our programmes in the centre and any major events, such as our big annual fundraising event Ozanam Come Dancing, held in March each year –

  1. We offer a wide range of programmes that cater to the community of the North East Inner City. From our Childcare Centre for pre-school children to our Active Retirement and Men’s Groups for the elderly and our Youth Groups and Adult Education for everything in between. Each of these programmes needs promotion to recruit both new service users and staff and volunteers.
  2. Our large fundraising events of the year are vital for the continuation of the services we provide. Each of these needs to be promoted as much as possible to make these events a success.
  3. Social media also plays a big part in our fundraising and our promotion within the Private Sector-where financial support is key

The role of the volunteer supporting our Social media department is as follows:


Tasks

  • Assisting in developing a coherent and successful social media plan
  • Assisting in posting on various social media platforms
  • Helping develop and create video and audio content for social media platforms and events where skills allow
  • Liaising with our team about photographic content
  • Assisting in design elements for the centre, social media and the main fundraising events
  • Networking with other like-minded organisations and accounts to maximise impact
  • Developing skills and bringing fresh ideas to a media brand

Time commitment

The volunteer should commit to at least one evening per month (2-3 hours) to come in to assist and plan for social media platforms.  This day/time can be arranged locally.

However, there may be slightly more demand, depending on volunteer’s availability, coming up to Ozanam Come Dancing.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Understanding and knowledge of editing and design software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro
  • Willingness to share your knowledge and skills in this area
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Understanding of and commitment to the ethos of volunteering, community initiative and the organisation

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will attend an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first engagement and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • 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
  • Team meetings with our team of computer teachers take place each term,  as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in team meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.

General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich other peoples’ lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Opportunity to make a great difference – one that is positive and rewarding – to your life and your community
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to achieve their goals and to improve their lives.

Dec 12 2019

Active Retirement – Chair-Yoga Volunteer

                    

                                       

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

Our organisation

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.


Active Retirement – Our Programme

We organise activities like physical fitness programmes, board games, cross words, table quizzes, darts, bowls, bingo, and specific courses which vary over time – for example, Irish and How to Use your Mobile Phone. In addition, guest speakers on topics of relevance to the group are scheduled on a monthly basis. Outings are also organised on a monthly basis in consultation with the group. A Summer programme takes place in the month of July. But perhaps the most important function of the group is the social aspect as many of our members live alone. To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the group, we seek new volunteers from time to time to support the ARG co-ordinator deliver a quality and professional programme to the members.

Overview of the volunteer role

To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the centre we are constantly seeking new volunteers to come on board to share their skills and knowledge with people undertaking our Chair-Yoga classes.


Tasks

  • Teach basics of Chair-Yoga
  • To prepare the class in advance
  • To consult the service users when planning activities
  • Deliver safe, fun and creative yoga classes, sensitive to the needs and abilities of participants
  •  Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Responsibility for overall set up and clean up
  • Supervise the group with first priority in their safety
  • Participate in the class and come to the aid of the participants
  • Introduce new members to the group and ensure all members are included and engaged in the activity
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

Time commitment

The Yoga class runs Mondays from 11.30am – 12.30pm. The Yoga volunteer should commit to one class per month plus extra time for the preparation of the class (the exact times and dates of working will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over time.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Formal qualifications and experience in yoga and chair yoga instruction
  • A keen interest in Yoga activities
  • Experience  in Group Instruction or teaching preferred
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Good organizational skills and basic administration skills
  • Intermediate level of English
  • Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community based initiative

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • 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
  • Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger group meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.
General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich their lives
  • To be part of a progressive team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers
Dec 11 2019

Adult Education – Computer Class Volunteer

                    

                                       

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

Our organisation

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.

Adult Education – Computer Training Programme

One of our biggest programmes is our computer classes. Each individual course runs for 10 weeks and each class is 1.5 hours in duration. With a maximum of 8 people per class and offering 12 different classes per week, this popular programme is offered to the entire community. It provides an opportunity for people to develop more confidence in themselves and in their skills and an improved sense of self-worth through a better understanding of computers and general IT. It also enhances peoples understanding of computers as an effective communication tool in today’s society leading to improved social Interaction and engagement through mobile technology, internet and email. Overall we aim to provide learners with new skills and with an improved and enhanced ability and confidence to engage positively in these communities.

A lot of our members can have had a negative experience of education in the past and it can be a big step for them to come back into any educational training. We therefore ensure we provide a very relaxed educational environment where their needs are at the centre of everything we do.


Overview of the Volunteer Role
One of the main aims of this programme is to assist local families and individuals in the basic and practical understanding of information technology and its value and use in today’s modern society. We offer courses to those who want to learn the basic skills and to those who have these skills but want to take them to the next level. Programmes offered range from complete introduction and beginner classes, improver levels, computer maintenance and management, mobile technology (phones, tablets), as well as internet and email focused classes.


To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the classes, we are constantly seeking new volunteers to share their IT skills and to teach these classes in an informal setting. Our classes are focused on the needs of the individuals who take them. We operate course content outlines for each class offering participants a guideline to what they will learn. Within these guidelines we run the classes according to the participant’s skill levels and learning abilities. Volunteers are not required to be fully qualified IT teachers as the focus is on sharing their own IT skills with participants to achieve these goals.

Tasks

  • Preparation of the classes according to a given course outline
  • To implement and adhere to the ‘Computer Centre Policies and Procedures’
  • Take class attendance on a daily basis
  • Teach the computer class
  • Supervise the group
  • Act as a mentor and help the people with their learning goals
  • Motivate and encourage the group to use their computers and mobile technology
  • To attend team meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the context of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

Time commitment

The computer centre is open Monday to Friday and the classes run as follows:

  • morning classes               10:30am – 12:00pm
  • afternoon classes             2:30pm – 4:00pm
  • evening classes                7:00pm – 8:30pm

(the exact days and times of classes you will work with will be agreed between the volunteer and the programme co-ordinator). The volunteer should commit to a minimum period of nine months. This covers 3 terms with each term lasting 10 weeks. This offers consistency to a class level and offers the volunteer the opportunity to develop that class well over this time, maximising the benefit of you as a teacher to the learners.

Other Volunteer roles

In addition, we welcome applications from potential volunteers who have specific expertise or skills which they can contribute. For example, volunteers in the past have delivered courses in desktop publishing, digital photography and mobile phone use (smart phones). Based on the skills offered we can tailor a course for a term of 10 weeks. The time commitment for these volunteers will be agreed in advance with the co-ordinator.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Required

  • Willingness to share your computer and technology knowledge
  • Good organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – vital in a supportive role
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • High motivation and engagement to be a volunteer over a longer period of time
  • Ability to relate well to people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Patience, resilience, tolerance and flexibility
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Understanding of and commitment to the ethos of volunteering, community initiative and the organisation
  • Experience with adult learners of mixed learning capacities is an advantage but not essential
  • Experience in teaching computers would be an advantage but not essential as classes are very learner centric and informal

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will attend an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first engagement and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • 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
  • Team meetings with our team of computer teachers take place each term,  as well as individual training programmes that will be provided if/where necessary

Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in team meetings meetings to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.

General volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal and professional development
  • Sharing knowledge that can help others enrich other peoples’ lives
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up valuable work experience
  • To be part of a progressive and energetic team supporting others to achieve their goals and to improve their lives.
Dec 11 2019

Active Retirement Group – Friday Volunteer

                    

                                       

A safe place where people learn and grow,

that serves our needs and enriches our lives

in a supportive, fun and caring environment’

 

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.

One of these programmes is our Active Retirement Group (ARG). This group is open to people over the age of 55. The group aims to provide members with a social environment and outlet where they engage in activities to develop skills which help improve their physical health while keeping alive their mental capacity, as well as their social and emotive wellbeing.

Overview of the Volunteer Role
We organize activities like physical fitness programmes, board games, cross words, table quizzes, darts, bowls, bingo, and specific courses which vary over time – for example, Irish and How to Use your Mobile Phone. In addition, guest speakers on topics of relevance to the group are scheduled on a monthly basis. Outings are also organised on a monthly basis in consultation with the group. A Summer programme takes place in the month of July. But perhaps the most important function of the group is the social aspect as many of our members live alone. To reach our full potential and to achieve our goals in the group, we seek new volunteers from time to time to support the ARG co-ordinator deliver a quality and professional programme to the members.

Tasks for Friday Volunteers

  • Undertake shopping for bingo prizes. A weekly budget is available to buy 15 small prizes. This usually involves a trip to the local Aldi and some additional shopping in local stores.
  • Call out bingo numbers; Check bingo cards; Issue prizes
  • Provide cover for the co-ordinator from time to time due to unavoidable absences
  • Attend outings and trips to provide support to co-ordinator, if requested and if available
  • To attend meetings and training days if/when possible
  • To follow the policies and procedures of Ozanam House which can be found in the induction pack or in the office
  • Other general responsibilities in the contest of the role as agreed with the co-ordinator

Time Commitment

Volunteers are expected to undertake shopping between 9.30am and 11am and call out bingo from 11.15am to 12.30pm.  Volunteers for the Friday role have the option of alternating every second Friday with another volunteer.
It is our expectation that volunteers will commit to working with the Active Retirement Group for a minimum of one year.

Other Volunteers

In addition, we welcome applications from potential volunteers who have specific expertise or skills which they can contribute. For example, volunteers in the past have delivered training in First Aid, taught specific crafts to the group, and donated reflexology treatments. The time commitment for these volunteers will vary and be agreed in advance with the co-ordinator.


Skills, Experience & Qualities

  • High motivation and commitment to be a volunteer over a long period of time
  • Ability to relate well to elderly people and enjoy dealing with them
  • Self-confidence and general ease with other people
  • Assertiveness, teamwork and self-reliance
  • Intermediate level of English
  • Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community based initiatives
  • Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Training & Induction

  • The volunteer will receive an induction/information night in the centre prior to his/her first inset and will get a general information pack to become familiar with the centre and our procedures
  • 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
  • Ongoing individual training programmes will be provided if necessary


Support & Supervision

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the supervision of the volunteer. Volunteers will meet with their co-ordinator either in one-to-one meetings, or in larger meetings with other ARG volunteers to discuss ongoing progress and any issues arising.

General Ozanam House volunteer meetings, for all volunteers, will take place twice a year, in May and November.

Benefits

  • Personal development
  • The chance to contribute towards the social environment of elderly people to improve their overall well being
  • Opportunity to work in and learn about a community resource centre
  • Opportunity to build up working experience
  • To be part of a progressive team supporting others to improve their lives
  • Tea and coffee will be provided for all volunteers