ROLE DESCRIPTION

Young Roots runs English support groups which during lockdown have really increased in popularity. Young refugees and asylum seekers join one to one or small group sessions led by you, to improve their English, get help with homework and improve their social skills.

English levels can be very varied- we have many young people who speak confidently and need extra help with reading and writing, as well as some young people who have just arrived in the UK and need to start at the beginning.

This volunteer Language Mentor will be able to call on the support of a Young Roots member of staff throughout the sessions, and this staff member will coordinate the attendees and set up the sessions for you. You will be responsible for creating content, leading the session and feeding back to staff on attendance levels, engagement and progress of students.

All volunteers will need to provide 2 references, undergo a Young Roots DBS check and attend Young Roots safeguarding training.

In this role, you will also:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment for young asylum seekers and refugees
• Respect confidentiality and Debrief any issues to staff including any concerns
• Help group attendees get on well

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will need to be able to demonstrate the following: 

Essential

• Ability to deliver resources in an informative, informal and imaginative manner

• Enthusiasm and commitment to supporting young refugees and asylum seekers

• Ability to express yourself clearly and simply, ideally with experience in ESOL teaching

• Good organisational skills

• Good team working and interpersonal skills

• Have a flexible approach

• Be able to commit for 6 months

• Understanding and commitment to youth participation principles, as outlined in Young Roots’ Youth Participation statement

• Willingness to take part in training

Desirable

• Understanding of some of the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the UK, and sympathy for clients facing such challenges

• Experience of working or volunteering with young people

• Experience of teaching English as a second language

• Ability to speak refugee community language(s) (Pashto, Dari, Arabic, Tigrinya, Vietnamese, Sorani, Amharic and Albanian)