English Conversation Club Tutor

The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this role on behalf of City of Boroondara Libraries- English Conversation Club.

About the role:

The Volunteer Tutor supports adults who speak English as a second language to improve their conversational English by facilitating a weekly one-hour English Conversation Club.

About the program:

The English Conversation Club runs at Balwyn Library, 336 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, on Mondays from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm during school term. The role may be weekly or fortnightly as a job-share, depending on volunteer availability.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Facilitate learner-led group discussion with the aim of building confidence and community connections.
• Prepare simple activities based on participant input and English-speaking ability.
• Record learner attendance.

Skills and experience:

• Ability to facilitate group conversation in a friendly and inclusive way
• Basic planning and organisation skills for preparing weekly conversation topics or activities
• Clear spoken English and the ability to explain words or ideas in simple language
• Ability to help people feel welcome, safe and confident
• Good listening skills and patience
• Cross-cultural awareness and respect for people from different backgrounds
• Ability to work well with library staff and other volunteers to support program delivery.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience facilitating group conversations, community programs, tutoring, mentoring or adult learning activities
• Experience supporting people with different confidence levels, literacy levels or communication needs

Training and Support:

Candidates will be invited to attend two English Conversation Club sessions as observers before leading a session on their own. After this, the volunteer tutor will lead sessions independently, with minimal supervision from library staff. Opportunities for volunteer feedback and professional development will be offered annually. This role supports the work of the Boroondara Library Community Programming team. A staff member will be assigned as the tutor’s main contact and will provide monthly check-ins, along with extra guidance and support when needed.

Volunteers who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, other First Nations, culturally or linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+ or members of the disability or deaf community are encouraged to apply. All applications are welcomed. If you have any specific requirements to participate, please contact us directly.