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Book Buddies: Lead Volunteer (Honorarium) | Tues or Thurs

Develop child literacy skills in a fun one-on-one environment!

The SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre has partnered with the Surrey School District Community School’s Partnership Department and the READ Surrey White Rock Society to develop and implement a one-on-one reading program, the Book Buddies Program, with funding from Decoda Literacy’s Fostering Literacy Grant.

This program will support approximately 15 children who are reading below their grade level in grades 2-4, as research shows that strong early reading skills are a predictor of future academic success. Reading at the appropriate grade level has been identified as a protective factor for vulnerable children. The goal for this program is not only to support learners to read at their grade-level, but even more importantly to foster a love for reading, and to encourage children to become lifelong readers. 

The activities will focus on making reading fun, and developing confidence and motivation to read. Activities will also guide learners through reading exercises that focus on the following keys to reading success: Phonemic awareness, Phonics, Developing Vocabulary and Sight Word banks, Reading Comprehension, and Fluency. There will also be a component of the program that focuses on family literacy and empowering parents to support their child’s reading journey from home.

We are looking to hire two SFU Students into the role of Lead Volunteer, to support the program once a week at each of the following sites:

  • Old Yale Elementary School, on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Hjorth Road Elementary School, on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Opportunity description:

The SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre (SFU Surrey – TD CEC) is looking for two SFU students to fill the role of Lead Volunteer for the Book Buddies program at each of our two locations.

The Lead Volunteer performs the following duties, with oversight from the Program and Volunteer Supervisor:

  • Supports the volunteer training component(s);

  • Attends ALL the Book Buddies sessions;

  • Supports leading program activities, manages the schedule of activities, and safety protocols under the direction of the Program and Volunteer Supervisor;

  • Communicates any concerns to the Program and Volunteer Supervisor (or the Program Manager, SFU Surrey - TD CEC);

  • Supports overseeing the program and students at the site, and ensures it runs smoothly;

  • Meets and communicates with the Program and Volunteer Supervisor outside of session hours, as needed;

  • Assists Program and Volunteer Supervisor with teaching the material when necessary;

  • Responds and takes initiative throughout session to check in on volunteers;

  • Provides support and feedback to volunteers;

  • Is prepared to take on any of the responsibilities of the Program and Volunteer Supervisor at a moment's notice, if necessary;

  • Handles problems that arise independently and with initiative;

  • Supports with lesson planning and the development of activities;

  • Writes a short one-page report after serving as Lead Volunteer (reflections on personal and professional development, how the program went, successes, challenges and any suggestions for improvement).

Locations:

This program will be delivered in-person at the following two locations: 

  • Old Yale Elementary School, on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Hjorth Road Elementary School, on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Benefits: 

In this role, you will:

  • Learn about the literacy goals and supports available for early readers in the Surrey School District;

  • Acquire knowledge and skills in effective strategies for supporting children one-on-one with their reading;

  • Apply learned knowledge in phonemic awareness, phonics, developing vocabulary and sight word banks, reading comprehension, and fluency by supporting children through reading activities. 

  • Apply interpersonal, communication, cross-cultural awareness and instructional skills by delivering program activities;

  • Apply learned knowledge of the curriculum by coming up with new ideas for activities, or by altering existing activities to meet the needs and interests of the children attending the program;

  • Apply interpersonal, empathy and relationship-building skills by developing healthy relationships with the children in the program.

Other benefits:

  • Gain experience facilitating an afterschool program.

  • Gain demonstrable leadership and mentorship experience.

  • Have the opportunity to engage with other SFU students.

  • Gain experience delivering programming.

  • Get recognition for your service on SFU’s Co-Curricular Record.

Timeframe:

Fall 2024:

  • September 16th – October 18th (training and prep time)
  • October 22nd – December 13th (program is running)

Spring 2025:

  • January 6th – January 24th (prep time and volunteer training)
  • January 27th – March 14th (program is running)
  • March 31st – April 11th (program is running)

Summer 2025:

  • April 14th - April 25th (prep time and volunteer training)
  • April 28th – June 13th (program is running)
  • June 16th – June 20th (wrap-up)

The Lead Volunteer must be available every Tuesday or Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to approximately 5:15 p.m. and for meetings with the Program and Volunteer Supervisor outside of session hours. 

Generally, we expect the incumbent to be performing up to 5 hours per week.

Remuneration:

Upon successful completion of the role after the designated time period, the Lead Volunteer for each site will receive:

  • An honorarium of $200 per semester ($600 for all 3 semesters)

Please indicate on your application if you would like to be a Lead Volunteer for Tuesdays, Thursdays or both days of the week. The above honorarium will be doubled if you are hired for both days of the week.  

 

Sample Daily Schedule:  

2:30 pm - Prep time and set up (towards the end of this we begin setting up the room and session supplies)
3:00 pm - Welcome + Group literacy activity
3:15 pm - Reading or literacy games with your buddy
3:35 pm - 10-minute break
3:45 pm - Group literacy activity
4:00 pm - Reading or literacy games with your buddy
4:15 pm - 10 minute break/game outside (weather permitting)
4:25 pm - Student check-out + Dismissal
4:30 pm - Volunteer debrief (ends at 5:00 p.m.)
5:00 pm to 5:15 pm - Brainstorming future session activities (optional)

Requirements: 

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree at SFU, with previous experience in: working with children in a recreation or school setting; volunteer coordination; program coordination; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
  • Strong ability to take initiative, independently interact with program participants and be proactive. Can determine what needs to be done and do it before being asked to;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
  • Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills; 
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; 
  • Previous experience working with children in a recreation or school setting will be considered an asset;
  • Willingness to take initiative and problem-solve independently;
  • Be prepared to provide a copy of a valid Criminal Record Check.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please send your resume and answers to the following questions by email to Saba Fatemi, Program Manager, at sfatemi@sfu.ca:

  1. Why do you want to apply for this position?
  2. What personal and professional strengths or relevant experiences do you bring to this position?
  3. Why is it vital to engage children and youth in the City of Surrey?

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email with an interview invitation.

 Deadline to apply: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 11:59 PM 

 
Collection Notice: The information collected as part of the application process is under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468). It is related directly to and needed by the University to administer the volunteer program through the SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre. The information will be used to screen volunteer applicants, refer applicants to opportunities of interest, and update applicants with information related to volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact Associate Director, Partnerships and Programs, 250-13450 102 Avenue, Surrey BC, V3T 0A3, 778-782-8082.    

Apply now!

Ready to learn about volunteering with the community as an SFU ambassador? Join the Community Engagement Volunteer Training Program.

Learn more

This opportunity is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official university document that tracks your co-curricular involvement at SFU. Learn more about the Co-Curricular Record at www.sfu.ca/students/get-involved/recognition/co-curricular-record.