About Barnardos
Barnardos supports children whose well being is under threat, by working with them,their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland's leading independent children's charity.
What's Involved
Barnardos are currently seeking Volunteer Roots of Empathy Instructors for the September 2019/20 academic year for primary schools in Inchicore, Tallaght and Finglas. 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 programme, and the programme's success depends on the ability of everyone to work in tandem.Volunteer 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.
The Volunteer's tasks and responsibilities include:
- 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, and 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.
What's required for this position
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.
- Education/ Training
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
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Minimum time commitment: 2 years
Hours required: 2hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Various locations in Inchicore, Dublin 8; Tallaght, Dublin 24 and Finglas, Dublin 11
Screening details for this role:
- Formal Interview
- Garda Vetting
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Age restrictions:
Over 23
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Volunteers will receive Roots of Empathy certified training and on-going support from a designated mentor throughout the year. Through volunteering you will gain experience of delivering an internationally recognised evidence-based programme.
