ESOL and Volunteer Coordinator

Union Chapel has been running an important project to assist asylum seekers resident in Islington contingency hotels.

With funding made available by Islington Council, we provide wraparound support in the form of orientation workshops; health and wellbeing; information relating to the asylum process; ESOL classes; social activities and befriending.

Union Chapel is a church with a strong commitment to social, economic, racial and climate justice. Alongside Margins our charity for people living precarious lives, we aim to ensure dignity and self-determination for all who are seeking safety within the UK. Union Chapel is also well known as a venue for music.

Union Chapel is located in Compton Terrace, N1 but the bulk of the work will take place either in the hotels or in premises close to them in Kings Cross.

The post holder will work closely within the Church team and alongside the Margins staff, especially with our Social Justice Worker.

This post is part time – 3 and ½ days per week.  Some early evening work may be required.

Responsibilities and Duties

Run regular ESOL classes and organise new groups according to students’ needs

Recruit volunteers who will provide regular learning opportunities and befriending for hotel residents, including recruitment from within the resident group

Arrange Safeguarding courses and DBS checks for volunteers

Provide information to potential and newly recruited volunteers on the values, activities and scope of the programme

Maintain regular contact and support for volunteers

Manage a timetable for ESOL groups

Liaise with hotel staff and external partners to maximise learning opportunities for students

Plan English classes and provide appropriate learning materials and resources

Provide volunteers and participants with information on other opportunities within our programme such as workshops on the asylum process and health and wellbeing and other free opportunities

Report any safeguarding issues in a timely manner

Work closely with our Social Justice Worker and attend weekly drop-ins

Carry out follow-up referral work

Person Specification

Essential

Experience of providing ESOL

Understanding of approaches to language learning

Understanding of the situation of asylum seekers in the UK and empathise with them

Experience of volunteering, recruiting and supporting volunteers

Good organisational and administrative skills

Experience of group work in a community setting

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults

Desirable

Ability to speak one or more of the languages spoken by hostel residents, currently Farsi, Arabic, Tigrayan, Kurdish Sorani, and French

Qualification in adult education

Closing date for applications:  4 October, 2024

Interviews: week of 14 November, 2024