Coordinator for Read Easy the local adult literacy programme

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read. In so doing, they are opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life.

Outline of the Coordinator role

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them.

The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read – our ‘Readers’ - and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit their reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having.

Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible and the time required for the role will vary on a weekly basis. (The actual amount of time required will be related to the number of reading pairs the Coordinator is responsible for monitoring.) The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments.

Resources, guidance and support

You will be provided with comprehensive resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Team Leader or Coordinator Supporter will meet regularly with you to understand more of the detail of what is going on and to provide support where necessary. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

Responsibilities

●     Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

●     Enrol and assess new Readers, using the resources provided.

●     Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions which will take place in one of the venues provided by the Management Team.

●     Visit your reading pairs to monitor progress and provide support if required, presenting certificates on occasion.

●     Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

●     Contribute to Coach meetings (typically every 8 weeks) run jointly by the Management Team, Literacy Specialist and Coordinator, where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support.

●     Keep records, provide the Management Team with written reports and submit expenses for payment regularly.

Personal qualities and experience

●     Strong personal literacy, so that you can confidently guide others and a willingness to become fully familiar with the principles of phonics and the contents and methods of the Turning Pages coaching manuals.

●     Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Self-awareness and the ability to maintain a professional approach.

●     Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills.

●     Reasonable confidence in using IT.

●     An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Team Leader or Literacy Specialist when necessary.

●     The ability to use initiative and to work well as part of a team.

●     A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.

●     A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

●     A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

●     Energy and enthusiasm with a minimum of 3 hours a week to commit to the role. 

Prospective Coordinators can discuss their availability with the Management Team and agree how many Reading Pairs they can look after, according to the hours you wish to volunteer.

Coordinators are invited to attend most Management Team meetings. These are typically every 6-8 weeks, either in person or remotely over Zoom.

Why volunteer?

By helping people to tackle their reading difficulties, Read Easy enables people to become more independent, improve their employment opportunities, support their family’s reading and begin to explore many other opportunities. Above all, our Readers experience remarkable improvements in their confidence and self-esteem.