Cardinal Hume Centre
“Each person matters, no human life is redundant’ – Cardinal Basil Hume. 1923 – 1999.
This role involves being available for a mix of weekly drop-in IT sessions in which you will provide ‘floating support’ as well as pre-arranged one-to-one sessions on either Mondays or Fridays in order to help clients complete more specific tasks relevant to them.
Digital Inclusion provides a crucial resource, helping people to take positive steps to improve their lives, by overcoming digital exclusion, accessing learning and securing work. In an average session, clients undertake independent learning and tasks, such as; completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email, paying bills, filling in forms, etc.
Increasingly, clients are asking for help with social media platforms, such as; logging into Facebook account, creating a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account to promote their business, or help with blogging.
How does this role make a difference?
All of life’s activities – including job seeking, accessing and managing benefits and housing – take place online. Clients without IT skills are hugely disadvantaged. This role provides clients with support, helping them to overcome initial fears or learning barriers. With increasing confidence, they will be able to access the internet independently.
Who will you be helping?
Users are adults from diverse backgrounds and can range from those who are complete computer beginners, learning the basics of IT, to those needing access to the resource for learning, job search or managing household finances. The service helps clients seeking to address digital skills gaps and improve their confidence in order to access the internet.
What will you be doing?
Meeting clients and carrying out weekly, one-to-one coaching sessions; For the remaining time, offering ‘floating support’ to other clients, such as completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email; Helping new clients to complete an IT Initial Basic Skills Assessment
What are we looking for?
Although advanced technical skills are not required, a good understanding of MS Office (Word and Excel mostly) and a breadth of experience in using the internet are essential in order to coach and help vulnerable clients develop their skills.
The confidence and willingness to work closely with clients and actively approach them where required.
· You have some experience assisting or coaching others.
· You are patient, a good listener and have the ability to motivate others.
· You are available for a period of at least six months to give you time to develop a rapport and fulfil learning objectives with the clients.
What is the time commitment?
We offer sessions for clients twice a week. If you can offer a 3-hour slot or more each week on either Monday or Friday afternoon, we would love to hear from you!
We are asking for a 6 month commitment to enable you to build trusting relationships with clients and develop in your role. Volunteers find this goes very quickly!
How will you be supported?
· There is ongoing support by the Learning and Employment Manager
· Free access to a range of e-learning modules on the Centre’s online e-learning platform
· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel, and also lunch if volunteering a full day
What is the recruitment procedure?
Application form > Informal interview > Ideally two reference checks > DBS check > Trial period
