Birmingham Communities


Community Workshop Assistant Volunteer

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Community Workshop Assistant Volunteer 

 

As a Community Workshop Assistant volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Birmingham team, supporting the hub to deliver frontline services. This role is an exciting and new opportunity to make a real difference within the wider community.  

The accessible workshops are delivered primarily out in the community to Shelter clients and professionals however we may also deliver these by Microsoft Teams. The aim is to help empower clients to understand their rights and provide necessary support and signposting in areas such as temporary accommodation and budgeting. You will play a supportive role, helping the Housing Rights Worker deliver these workshops and being part of the development of future workshops. 

In addition, you’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support within the workshop. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per month (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

Location: Shelter Birmingham 38 Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA but this role will be within the local community. 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

 

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.  

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

 

Main Tasks include 

  • Ensuring equipment is ready such as laptops and projectors 

  • General administrative tasks (e.g. photocopying, scanning and filing).  

  • Help create a welcoming environment and being a welcoming face for clients attending the workshops 

  • Handing out feedback forms & uploading feedback forms once the session is over 

  • Supporting the Housing Rights Worker to facilitate the workshop  

 

Skills and experience required 

  • An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

  • Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public) 

  • Ability to collaborate with a team. 

  • Confident using IT including Microsoft Office programmes 

  • Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection. 

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Induction, learning & development 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will  

  • Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

  • Provide an induction into your role  

  • Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

  • Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

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Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

  • Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

  • Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

  • Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

  • Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

 

Next steps 

Next steps 

Complete an online application via the link above.

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us at volunteering@shelter.org.uk if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.