About Crisis

Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We are committed to ending homelessness.
Every day we see the devastating impact homelessness has on people's lives. Every year we work side by side thousands of homeless people to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. We do this at Crisis Skylight Oxford through providing education, training and support with housing, employment and health.

Role outline and the difference you will make
Crisis Skylight Oxford offers carpentry classes that help clients learn the maintenance and safe use of carpentry tools and make their own project. We are looking for a volunteer who is engaging and interested in working with people but will also lend a hand with practical tasks. You will encourage people to take part in sessions and ensure safety measures are observed to keep people safe. Expert knowledge of woodworking is not essential as training is provided but some basic skills with tools is required.

Timings: Mondays 12noon-3pm starting from Monday 13th April 2020
Location: Crisis Skylight Oxford, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ
Responsible to: Carpentry Tutor

What you will gain

• An opportunity to be part of a friendly team who are committed to ending homelessness and the knowledge that your role is making a difference to our clients’ lives
• A supportive environment in which to share your existing skills and develop new ones
• Access to support as and when required including regular supervisions with a relevant supervisor
• A way to learn more about homelessness and the charity sector through a structured induction and training sessions
• Travel and lunch expenses reimbursed where appropriate
• A factual reference from a reputable, national organisation

Core tasks

• Assisting the tutor in delivering high quality sessions and keeping clients focussed, taking direction from the tutor on how best to support the class
• Providing support to individual clients within the group to help them achieve their learning objectives, encouraging them to develop their skills and confidence
• Supporting the tutor with preparation of classroom resources
• Maintaining the classroom environment during class times as well as packing away at the end
• Assisting clients with the completion of any relevant paperwork, where requested by the tutor

Who we are looking for

• Good observation skills
• Willing to learn basic carpentry skills
• Commitment to learning and an interest in the subject. Specific subject knowledge / experience may be necessary depending on the topic
• Interpersonal communication skills with a particular focus on listening
• Good time-keeping and reliability
• Non-judgmental, patient and friendly
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and maintaining boundaries

Additional information
All Crisis volunteers are asked to:
• Comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times
• To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all accessible information about clients and the organisation
• Be positive, productive and have the passion to help end homelessness

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage and applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.