Barnardos: Volunteer Roots of Empathy Instructor x 5
URGENT - 5 x ROE instructors required ASAP - Nationwide
Volunteer Title: Volunteer Roots of Empathy Instructor for the Roots of Empathy Programme
Description of Roots of Empathy Programme:
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based programme that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.
The Roots of Empathy programme revolves around a baby, the baby’s family, a class of primary school children, their teacher, school and community, and a Roots of Empathy Instructor. Each brings something different to the program, and the programme's success depends on the ability of everyone to work in tandem. Instructors deliver all aspects of the Roots of Empathy curriculum in the classroom and build respectful relationships with the participating family, classroom teacher and students. See Roots of Empathy website or the Barnardos website for more information.
Outline of Volunteers Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Delivering 27 classroom visits over the course of a school year (30-40 minutes per class)
- Preparing lesson plans and teaching materials as specified including photocopying, laminating, cutting and pasting. Time varies by theme and grade level and from lesson to lesson (average of one hour per lesson)
- Using the Roots of Empathy curriculum manuals as specified without introducing additional materials or concepts
- Engaging in ongoing communications with the participating family and preparing the parent for their visits over the course of the year
- Scheduling an information meeting with the principal and teacher to secure their commitment and reinforce the programme concepts
- Scheduling the classroom visits with the Roots of Empathy family and classroom teacher
- Building respectful relationships with the participating family, classroom teacher and students
- Communicating with and providing feedback to an assigned Roots of Empathy Mentor on a regular basis
- Scheduling a classroom visit with the Mentor
- Submitting all requested reports and forms in a timely manner
Time Commitment:
- Delivering 27 consecutive classroom lessons of 30-40 minutes over a school year (roughly one class visit per week from October to end of May, excluding holidays).
- Participation in 4 days of training during the first year of delivery (3 days in September/October and one day in February).
- Preparation of lesson plans and teaching materials as specified including photocopying, laminating, cutting and pasting. Time varies by theme and grade level and from lesson to lesson (average of one hour per lesson).
- Communicating with and providing feedback to an assigned Roots of Empathy Mentor on a regular basis (once a month).
- Attendance to Professional Development opportunities in second and subsequent years of delivery.
Volunteers will be provided with the following:
- 4 day intensive Roots of Empathy certified training – Taking place in Athlone October 7th,8th & 9th (3 days initial training and 1 day mid-year training) which requires your full attendance and participation
- On-going support from a designated mentor throughout the year
- Experience of delivering an internationally recognised evidence based programme
- Ongoing ROE professional development in subsequent years of delivery
The costs of Instructor training ROE kit, resources and support throughout the year is provided by Barnardos. This is a substantial investment for Barnardos and we ask certified Instructors to commit to a minimum of two consecutive years of delivering the programme. Instructors deliver one programme in their first year.
Qualifications / Experience Required:
We are open to all candidates, however, a background knowledge and expertise in some but not all of the areas indicated below will enhance programme delivery:
- Teaching children in a classroom setting
- Child development and learning from Junior Infants to 6th Class
- Infant development
- Parenting education/support
- Cultural sensitivity
- Community development
- Youth Work
Person Specification:
- Maturity, patience, tolerance and tact
- Consistent and dependable
- Understand and value diversity
- Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with school and classroom staff
- An openness to understand and embrace the mission, goals, philosophy, and values of Roots of Empathy as well as the program delivery components; and
- An enthusiasm and ability to work in an interactive way with children in the program (including sitting on the floor while delivering Family Visits and interacting with and holding the baby).
Locations:
Barnardos are currently seeking Volunteer Roots of Empathy Instructors, for the September 2024/2025 academic year, in the schools countrywide.
Screening Process:
- Barnardos Volunteer Registration Form
- Garda Vetting plus police clearances from other countries if required
- International Roots of Empathy Application
- Reference Checks