Volunteer Intake
You should provide potential volunteers with an information package that
will help them to learn more about volunteering with your
literacy organization. This package could contain the following
information:
- Overview of the organization
- Overview of the position and any
qualifications or skills needed
- Length of the required
training
- Details about the screening and selection
process
- Supports the volunteer will receive from the agency
- A written position description
- An overview of the expected time commitment
and any other requirements
- An
application form
Providing this type of information to potential volunteers
will give them a clear understanding of the position, responsibilities, qualifications,
required skills
and time commitment. It will also allow potential volunteers to make an informed
decision about continuing with the process.
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Position Descriptions
The following "Position Description - Key Elements" was
developed by CLO by reviewing position descriptions from
a variety of organizations, both inside and outside
the literacy field. For more information on volunteer job descriptions, please see Developing Job
Descriptions in Ontario’s Community Literacy Agencies.
Position Description - Key Elements |
- Position Title
- Volunteer Tutor, Board Member, Committee Member, etc.
|
- Position Summary
- Give a brief overview of the position. For example, "To tutor an adult
learner or small group of learners in reading, writing or numeracy."
|
- Key responsibilities
- Provide information on the basic responsibilities of the position. For example, "The volunteer tutor will be responsible for helping the learner, or learners, meet agreed upon learning goals".
|
- Qualifications
- List any skills, training, knowledge, educational experience or personal
characteristics required for the position. For example, "A patient,
open-minded, flexible attitude and an understanding of a student-centred
approach to teaching
and learning are required for this position."
|
- Working Conditions
- Give information about location, the time commitment, and length of service.
For example, "Working at the Literacy Centre, this position requires
a time commitment of two hours per week for a period of one year. Preparation
time
is also required for each lesson."
|
- Training
- Give information about the initial and ongoing training required. For example,
"All tutors must take a basic tutor training workshop of 15 hours.
After the tutoring begins, there will be an additional 4-6 hours of
ongoing training
provided."
|
- Support Provided
- Describe the support you will provide to each volunteer. For example: "The
Literacy Centre will provide you with initial and ongoing training,
print and web-based resources, ongoing support from the Program Coordinator,
and
mentoring support if needed."
|
- Screening
- Give information about the screening requirements for each position. For
example, "All tutors must fill out a detailed application form, give
three references and attend an interview with the Program Coordinator."
|
- Performance Appraisals
- Tell volunteers how they will be evaluated, when and by whom and explain the process for the volunteer to provide input into the evaluation.
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