Teaching Volunteer Roles

As a Digital Champion you will provide support to our clients who struggle with IT. You will need to understand the importance of digital literacy to our clients. There will be a ‘referral’ system from keyworkers and staff members who will identify clients in need of digital support. In addition, you will provide support to our online Forward Fuse platform and Kaizala (digital messaging app).

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, IT skills and a true passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable people to address their support needs and fulfill their full potential. The Forward Trust is committed to tackling ‘digital exclusion’ within our client base.

To note: If you have a preference for Fuse moderation or Digital support, please mention this in your volunteer application form.

Accountabilites 

Service Delivery – Client support tasks

· Provide remote and/or in-person support for clients who struggle with IT.

· Helping to build clients confidence and self-esteem with using popular digital technology.

· Raising awareness of online services and the support available locally.

· Meeting clients within the community to enable them to access digital devices such as tables and PC’s.

· Build a trusting and supportive relationship with clients.

· Listen to the clients concerns and work with them to overcome those. 

Forward Fuse

Fuse is an online ‘learning and knowledge’ platform. It combines elements of social media with e-learning.

· Supporting the Forward Fuse platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring content and comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Kaizala

Forward successfully used the digital messaging app Kaizala (similar to WhatsApp) to help members of the Forward Connect service keep in touch with each other and share support while face-to-face meetings weren’t possible.

• Supporting Kaizala as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Additional tasks

· Support with web coding (if you have relevant experience)

· Engage in support and supervision provided.

· To keep a good record of your work, including reporting verbally to their supervisor and completing relevant forms.

This may vary depending on your specific team and time commitment.

Expenses

· Travel expenses (within 20 miles of the service)

· Up to £6.50 lunch expenses.

· Any additional expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor.

Training & Induction 

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following:

o E-Learning:  

- Data Protection/GDPR/PECR

- Safeguarding – Knowledge

- Health & Safety – Knowledge

- Volunteer Induction – Organisational Awareness

o Digital Unite – available e-learning module and resources to help structure support sessions with clients.

· A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures.

· Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

Qualities 

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

· Must be over 18 years of age.

· Ability to use computers and IT equipment.

· Confident to pass on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.

· Content Moderator – ability to evaluate content in line with content and policies.

· Web coding (preferable) – specific information needed.

· To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.

· To have good verbal and written communication skills.

· To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

· To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.

· To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.

· To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.

· To be committed to own learning and development.

Checks required for the role 

· Reference (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)

· Enhanced DBS Check