Emerge Youth Group Volunteer

We currently run our Emerge youth group via Discord, an online platform, every Saturday from 12.30-2.30 pm. We would like volunteers to support us during these online sessions, twice a month every other Saturday. Successful volunteers will monitor the online chat function whilst our lead youth worker facilitates the group session and supports individuals when necessary. Once we are back at the centre the sessions will be on Saturdays at 12pm in person. Volunteers will never be expected to lead the group or be left alone with the group. However, if they wish to gain experience and develop in their youth work leadership skills, they may be given opportunities to lead the group (the lead youth worker will always supervise this, and it is only an option if volunteers are interested in this development). 

Please note: If an applicant is not familiar with the online platform ‘Discord’ this will not affect their progression in the application process. The online platform and our Emerge server will be explained in depth at training. 

 The purpose of the role is to: 

• Attend as many Saturday sessions as possible (no more than two a month). 
• Assist the youth workers with maintaining a focus during group sessions. 
• Monitor the chat function on our online platform ‘Discord’ during sessions. 
• Be involved in a 10-minute review of the session after it is complete with the lead youth worker to discuss any concerns or red flags they noticed during the sessions and to offer feedback. 
• Once the sessions return to the centre volunteers will be required to be in the room and offer technical support where necessary and engage in tasks which will encourage the young people to engage too. 

How long will the role last for? Until the end of the Emerge contract 2022

Contract Type: How many hours per week/month/year? 4.5 hours month

Would the role require specific training? Birmingham LGBT Core volunteer training programme, Safeguarding, use of Discord and basic youth engagement training.

Location: Online until end of May and at Birmingham LGBT Centre when we reopen