Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator ESOL
at Bury VCFA Volunteering
Role Description
About the Role:
As a Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator (ESOL), you will play a key role in helping people whose first language is not English to access volunteering opportunities across Bury. Many ESOL learners want to give back to their community, build confidence, and improve their language skills, but they may face additional barriers. This role is about supporting them on their journey by providing guidance, encouragement, and practical help to connect them with suitable volunteer opportunities.
You will liaise with ESOL learners, local organisations, and community groups to ensure that language is not a barrier to volunteering. By offering tailored support, you will help ESOL candidates gain valuable experience, feel part of the community, and build the confidence they need to thrive.
Purpose of the Role:
The main purpose of this role is to:
1. Support ESOL learners in finding and applying for suitable volunteering roles.
2. Provide one-to-one guidance to help them understand opportunities and complete applications.
3.Build confidence by explaining processes, helping with forms, and offering reassurance.
4.Act as a link between ESOL learners and organisations, helping both sides to communicate clearly and work effectively together.
5.Your work will directly contribute to breaking down barriers and ensuring volunteering in Bury is accessible to everyone, regardless of language background.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
Your key responsibilities will include:
1. Meeting with ESOL candidates to discuss their skills, interests, and goals for volunteering.
2. Helping ESOL learners to navigate the volunteering process, including filling out forms, preparing for interviews, and understanding role expectations.
3. Working with volunteer-involving organisations to ensure opportunities are accessible and inclusive for people with limited English.
4. Acting as a liaison to support clear communication between ESOL candidates and organisations.
5. Following up with ESOL volunteers to check their progress, provide encouragement, and offer additional support where needed.
6. Maintaining accurate records and sharing updates with the Volunteering Development Officer.
7. Promoting volunteering opportunities in collaboration with ESOL classes, community groups, and partner organisations.
Type of Activity: Ongoing, Suitable for individuals to apply
Suitability: Suitable for 16 and 17 year olds, Suitable for 18 year olds and over
Time commitment
Regular support, ideally 2-3 hours a week
Benefit to the volunteer
1. The opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in volunteer coordination, community development, and inclusion.
2. The chance to support ESOL learners in building their confidence, skills, and sense of belonging.
3. You will be part of a supportive, dedicated team making a real difference in Bury
You will receive
Induction and training, Regular support supervision, Volunteer policy
1. Have communication skills and be patient, approachable, and supportive.
2. Be sensitive to cultural differences and language barriers.
3. Show empathy, encouragement, and the ability to build trust with individuals.
4. Have basic IT and administration skills.
5. Work well as part of a team but also feel confident working independently.