At a glance

Skills

Strategic mentoring / coaching
Advice / Advocacy
Teaching / Education
Training

Where

Sevenoaks, TN13 3AT

Mainly at the office

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
3-7 hours / week

Deadline

30 Dec 2024

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

As the Language Programme Lead, you will develop and deliver tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. This role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities:

Manage the delivery of differentiated language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
Participate as a member with other team members of the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent County Council (KCC), Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the newly established Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications

A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.

Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

What are we looking for?

Skills, Experience, and Qualities Required:

Strategic Leadership:
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives focused on achieving integration and independence for beneficiaries.
- Experience in delivering differentiated language support, vocational training, and employment support.
Programme Leadership and Support:
- Proven experience in leading and supporting a team, particularly in coordinating volunteers.
- Ability to oversee and review individualized language support plans regularly, ensuring they meet the unique needs of each beneficiary.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Strong skills in collaboration and relationship-building with key stakeholders such as local councils, education providers, and support services.
- Experience in working with external networks, such as ESOL Networking groups.
ESOL Expertise:
- At least three years of experience in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
- In-depth knowledge of Trinity ESOL Skills for Life, IELTS qualifications, and relevant assessment tools.
Holistic Integration Skills:
- Ability to develop, oversee, and regularly review Holistic Integration and Independence Plans, ensuring language and vocational targets are met.
Assessment and Planning:
- Skilled in conducting initial assessments for new beneficiaries
Training and Development:
- Experience in providing ongoing training and support to language volunteers, ensuring they are equipped to deliver effective and individualized language support.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of articulating plans, collaborating with diverse groups, and advocating for the needs of beneficiaries.
Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy:
- A deep understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural and emotional needs of refugees, with a commitment to promoting their well-being and autonomy.
Organizational Skills:

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple responsibilities effectively, including programme leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and volunteer coordination.

What difference will you make?

Impact and reward:

The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

Before you apply

If you are passionate about supporting refugees and have the skills and experience required for this role, please contact us via the Reach platform with details of your personal statement explaining your motivation for applying for this role.

Language%20Programme%20Lead%20RD.pdf.pdf

About Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees

Causes

Refugees / migrants

Organisation type:

Charity

Our primary objectives are twofold: first, to ensure the successfully integration of refugee families into their new community, and second, to empower and support them in achieving independent...