Children and Young People's Support Volunteer - Residential

Assist with group and one to one play and recreational activities at organised events. You must be confident with children and competent working with those that are blind and partially sighted. You will help them with their personal support requirements. Your creative contribution, support and organisational talents are needed. Training will be provided, including Visual Awareness as appropriate.

Please note you must be 18+ to volunteer in this role, and be a member of the PVG scheme.

What will I be doing?

• To implement agreed procedures and policies in accordance with RNIB's structure

• To respond to the changing needs of the young people with whom you will work and interact
• To encourage and advise the children when carrying out specific activities such as swimming, skating, walking
• To liaise closely with activity instructors to ensure appropriate safety checks are in place
• To assist in transporting children/young people to various locations both on campus and off. This may involve minibus transport and ensuring all passenger assistance procedures are in place.
• Facilitating with basic personal care needs when instructed by the officer in charge
• To offer assistance at meal times including advice and support
• Audio describing instructions that are visual and describing via touch any equipment that is being used.
• Where necessary to reinforce any instruction given by the instructor.
• To act in an appropriate manner when working directly with the young people
• To provide sighted guide from one base to another where appropriate

What skills can I bring to this role?

• Reliability, good communication and listening skills are essential

• A non-judgmental approach is essential as is the ability to remain impartial and to observe confidentiality at all times
• An interest in physical and or creative activities

What qualities do I need?

• A good sense of humour and a willingness to promote a harmonious environment

• Enthusiasm
• Empathy

When will I be needed?

The vacation schemes run from Saturday to Saturday either in the month of July or August, participation for the whole week an essential requirement

Location

UK or abroad

What will I gain from the role?

• Practical experience of working with blind and partially sighted youngsters

• A sense of achievement in encouraging youngsters to try new and exciting activities
• An in-depth knowledge of the issues faced by partially sighted youngsters
• Learning new skills
• Gaining knowledge of the schooling systems for mainstream and special schools

What support will I be given?

• Induction
• Understanding Sight Loss Pack
• Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
• Supervision and support from your volunteer manager/ co-ordinator

How do I apply?

To apply for this role, please complete and return the

• Application form (Word 79KB)

to volunteering@rnib.org.uk.

If you would like the application form in a different format (such as standard print, large print, braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375 450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk

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