We are training new volunteers to provide independent advice and information to parents/carers of children with special educational needs on SENAC’s Advice Line.
The Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) is a Northern Ireland charity supporting children and young people with additional and special needs and their parents/carers.
SENAC provides an advice line for parents/carers on the special educational needs system. This service offers independent advice and information from an empathetic, informed Advisor. The Advice Line is supported by a team of trained volunteers. Hundreds of calls are received every year on the Advice Line.
As an Advice Line Volunteer, you will gain knowledge of the special educational needs system and an opportunity to develop advice giving skills and experience. Full training will be provided by SENAC. Through a telephone divert system volunteers can provide advice from home. All volunteers must be over 19 years of age.
What SENAC expects from an Advice Line Volunteer:
- A willingness to work within the aims, principles, and policies of SENAC.
- An ability to clearly communicate information.
- Good listening skills.
- A good standard of literacy skills to record advice and information.
- Objective manner when dealing with calls.
- Empathy in relation to challenges faced by children with special educational needs and the concerns of parents/guardians/professionals.
- A commitment of five/six hours per week within a flexible rota (3 hours taking Advice Line calls and 1-2 hours inputting data).
- Access to broadband, computer, and telephone.
Those who may be interested or have useful experience for this volunteering position include:
- Parents with an interest and/or experience in the field of special educational needs.
- Someone experienced in, or with relevant training in, law, advocacy, or advice work.
- Student in a relevant field e.g., education or law.
Training
- 15-hour modular training course, some additional home study will be required.
- Attendance at supervision/professional development workshops
- Ongoing support from SENAC
Please read ‘Advice line Volunteering- Role Description and Additional Information’ before completing your application form. Please consider this role carefully before applying.
To apply for this volunteering opportunity please complete the application form and return via email to info@senac.co.uk by Friday 21st July 2023
